A helicopter mishap near Kedarnath Dham has raised concerns amidst ongoing rescue operations. On Saturday, an MI-17 chopper of the Indian Air Force was airlifting a damaged Crystal helicopter. This helicopter had previously sustained damage during a landing at Kedarnath Dham, Uttarakhand. However, while being transported to the Gauchar airstrip, the helicopter slipped from the MI-17 chopper. It then fell into the hills near the Mandakini River.
Helicopter Mishap During Critical Airlift Operation In Kedarnath
Earlier today, a defective helicopter, which was being airlifted from Kedarnath by another chopper, accidentally fell from mid-air when the towing rope snapped.#UttarakhandNews pic.twitter.com/aOimgqxNLN
— Subodh Srivastava (@SuboSrivastava) August 31, 2024
The accident has created unease, especially since the Kedarnath yatra is already under strain due to adverse weather. Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has severely disrupted the pilgrimage. The trek route to the temple was largely suspended in August because of unsafe conditions. Despite the challenging weather, many pilgrims have continued to reach the temple using helicopter services.
The exact cause of the mishap is still under investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm if anyone was injured in the crash. The Crystal helicopter was unoccupied during the recovery operation, and no immediate reports suggest any casualties. However, the incident adds to the already challenging situation in the region.
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400 Sorties Daily
केदारनाथ में हादसे का शिकार हुआ हेलीकॉप्टर
कुछ दिन पहले हेलिकॉप्टर खराब हो गया था, MI-17 हेलिकॉप्टर से इस हेलिकॉप्टर को लिफ्ट किया जा रहा था। तभी वायर टूटने से हेलिकॉप्टर नीचे नदी में गिर गया।#Kedarnath #helicopter #Uttarakhand #HelicopterCrash pic.twitter.com/Pxy9oT2kwP
— सूरज पाण्डेय (हिन्दू)🙏 (@35SP_) August 31, 2024
The Kedarnath yatra is a significant event in Uttarakhand, drawing thousands of devotees each year. This year, the yatra has faced numerous challenges, including rain-induced landslides. Earlier in the month, landslides along the Gaurikund to Kedarnath route left thousands stranded. In response, the administration launched a massive rescue operation. This effort involved the use of Air Force helicopters, including Chinook and MI-17, as well as private choppers.
During the Char Dham yatra, helicopters play a crucial role in ferrying pilgrims. On average, choppers make around 400 sorties daily in the Kedarnath region. The demand for helicopter services has remained high despite the weather-related disruptions. Pilgrims rely heavily on these services, especially when trekking routes become inaccessible.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) issued a statement to Economic Times regarding the crash. According to the SDRF, the faulty helicopter fell into the river at Lincholi near Tharu Camp. The SDRF rescue team, informed by the Lincholi Police post, quickly reached the spot. Relief work is ongoing, and the SDRF team is conducting a search operation. Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported so far.
Cover Image Courtesy:@SuboSrivastava/X (Formerly, Twitter)