The public expresses deep sorrow and frustration over ongoing helicopter crashes related to the Kedarnath pilgrimage, demanding stricter safety regulations and accountability from authorities. Despite some sarcastic remarks, the predominant sentiment is one of anger and urgency for change, highlighting fears about safety and the perceived negligence of the government.

Government Authorities

Aviation Regulatory Bodies

Helicopter Service Providers

I'll never get on a helicopter in India. They don't have the same oversights and processes as commercial airlines

VaikomViking

what's up with so many air disasters these days?

LagrangeMultiplier99

I just watched Masaan yesterday man. So many lives forever changed. Condolences to the loved ones.

DrkNobody

Helicopters in the Himalayas should only be reserved for emergency situations.

ManufacturerIll1743

Helicopters 🚁 in general have the worst crash statistics if I remember correctly

jinxeddeep

Planes have joined the long list of apex predators in India

aishikpanja

There should be robust sop and strict parameters to be followed by service providers and dedicated weather info system by IMD  (which I'm surprise not exist for Chardham). Offload flight planning to heli service provider is like giving security man  job to thieves.

pseudoPoeDameron

A bad time for Indian aviation (which has had a pretty good safety record tbf) but we shall be better!

Jazzlike_Method_7642

[https://ground.news/article/5-dead-as-helicopter-crashes-in-uttarakhands-rudraprayag\_c99325](https://ground.news/article/5-dead-as-helicopter-crashes-in-uttarakhands-rudraprayag_c99325)

sharedevaaste

This is just heartbreaking. Seven lives gone — including a child — and once again, early signs point to preventable causes like poor weather planning and visibility issues.

What makes this even worse is how often these incidents repeat. It’s like we never learn. There’s no system to track patterns, flag recurring issues, or hold agencies accountable beyond the initial news cycle.

That’s exactly why I’ve been building a platform focused on reporting and organizing civic problems — like aviation safety gaps, failing infrastructure, or ignored maintenance — where solutions, patterns, and responsibility stay visible over time. We desperately need systems that help spot problems *before* they turn into tragedies.

Broccoli_Mental

What people need to understand in this country Political greed &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; corporate greed. To understand how UCADA operates and behaves with these private operators, read few of the terms from their agreement: 
Operator will have to provide 10 flying hours (on non-chargeable basis) each Yatra season to meet exigencies as determined by UCADA. Each operator will provide the flying hours when directed by UCADA, failure is doing so will attract a penalty of Rs 02 lakh each time. In such a case the balance number of hours will remain unchanged. For utilization of these hours a roaster will be followed. These services will be provided as per the direction of CEO, UCADA.
When the helicopter is requisitioned by UCADA and if any operator refuses or shows inability, a penalty of Rs 02.00 lakh will be levied.
Withdrawal of any helicopter on the grounds of reduced pilgrim traffic etc. shall be allowed only after the Operator has obtained the specific written approval of the Chief Executive Officer/ Addl. Chief Executive Officer, UCADA failing which a penalty @ Rs 20,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 100,000/- per day) shall be liable to be imposed. The above penalty shall also apply in case the Operator suspends flying beyond 24 hours, on account of some technical snag/ non availability of pilots or any other reason whatsoever. The penalty amount shall be double in the subsequent days of suspended operations i.e. Rs. 40,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 200,000/- for 2nd day), Rs. 80,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 400,000/- for 3rd day) and so on till 07 days after which the contract of the successful operator can be cancelled.
The Company shall carry out the flight operations daily, with least inconvenience to the Yatris, subject to fair weather conditions and clearance by the ATC/Competent authority. (to be clear, there is NO ATC or “competent authority” in Chota Char Dham sector except for pilots).
Each pilot operating Shuttles will be permitted a maximum of 50 landings in a day and the bidder will comply with DGCA CAR Section-7 Series-J Part-II without any aberrations.
The booking of Heli tickets for shuttle services will be 100% online through website authorized by UCADA. 03% (Inclusive of GST) of the tariff of each booked ticket as Yatra Facilitation Charges shall be charged by UCADA from shuttle operator. (This is like booking airline tickets through DGCA!)
Booking charges/convenience fees over and above the ticket charges shall be collected from the passenger by the ticket booking agency authorised by UCADA. Dynamic pricing system over and above the L1 rate may be introduced. The SOP for the dynamic pricing system will be as directed by UCADA which will be binding on all the selected bidder.
The Operator shall pay royalty inclusive of GST equal to Rs 5,000 per landing at all government owned Helipads. The royalty amount has to be deposited on weekly basis. Shuttle royalty shall also increase by 05% with every extension in contract.
All other equipment/infrastructure for communication, meteorological facilities, medical facilities, fire-fighting and safe flying operation etc shall be the sole responsibility of the Operator, who shall provide it as per norms prescribed by DGCA/ other agencies.
When the helicopter is requisitioned by UCADA and if any operator refuses or shows inability, a penalty of Rs 02.00 lakh will be levied.
Withdrawal of any helicopter on the grounds of reduced pilgrim traffic etc. shall be allowed only after the Operator has obtained the specific written approval of the Chief Executive Officer/ Addl. Chief Executive Officer, UCADA failing which a penalty @ Rs 20,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 100,000/- per day) shall be liable to be imposed. The above penalty shall also apply in case the Operator suspends flying beyond 24 hours, on account of some technical snag/ non availability of pilots or any other reason whatsoever. The penalty amount shall be double in the subsequent days of suspended operations i.e. Rs. 40,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 200,000/- for 2nd day), Rs. 80,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 400,000/- for 3rd day) and so on till 07 days after which the contract of the successful operator can be cancelled
And here’s the clincher!

UCADA shall not be liable for what-so-ever consequences arising out of any accident, incident, mishap, or any event relating to the operation of the helicopter services of the Operator, who shall be solely and exclusively liable for any injury, damage or liability of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of its operations.

It is the greedy government who washes off their responsibilities but wants only profits. They have zero liability but a cut-in every dime earned over and above free rides. 

High time people wake up and question the greedy bureaucrats. Until then, we are doomed.

MembershipLogical866

What people need to understand in this country Political greed &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; corporate greed.

To understand how UCADA operates and behaves with these private operators, read few of the terms from their agreement:

Operator will have to provide 10 flying hours (on non-chargeable basis) each Yatra season to meet exigencies as determined by UCADA.

Each operator will provide the flying hours when directed by UCADA, failure is doing so will attract a penalty of Rs 02 lakh each time. In such a case the balance number of hours will remain unchanged.

For utilization of these hours a roaster will be followed. These services will be provided as per the direction of CEO, UCADA. When the helicopter is requisitioned by UCADA and if any operator refuses or shows inability, a penalty of Rs 02.00 lakh will be levied.

Withdrawal of any helicopter on the grounds of reduced pilgrim traffic etc. shall be allowed only after the Operator has obtained the specific written approval of the Chief Executive Officer/ Addl. Chief Executive Officer, UCADA failing which a penalty @ Rs 20,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 100,000/- per day) shall be liable to be imposed. The above penalty shall also apply in case the Operator suspends flying beyond 24 hours, on account of some technical snag/ non availability of pilots or any other reason whatsoever. The penalty amount shall be double in the subsequent days of suspended operations i.e. Rs. 40,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 200,000/- for 2nd day), Rs. 80,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 400,000/- for 3rd day) and so on till 07 days after which the contract of the successful operator can be cancelled.

The Company shall carry out the flight operations daily, with least inconvenience to the Yatris, subject to fair weather conditions and clearance by the ATC/Competent authority. (to be clear, there is NO ATC or “competent authority” in Chota Char Dham sector except for pilots).

Each pilot operating Shuttles will be permitted a maximum of 50 landings in a day and the bidder will comply with DGCA CAR Section-7 Series-J Part-II without any aberrations.

The booking of Heli tickets for shuttle services will be 100% online through website authorized by UCADA. 03% (Inclusive of GST) of the tariff of each booked ticket as Yatra Facilitation Charges shall be charged by UCADA from shuttle operator. (This is like booking airline tickets through DGCA!) Booking charges/convenience fees over and above the ticket charges shall be collected from the passenger by the ticket booking agency authorised by UCADA.

Dynamic pricing system over and above the L1 rate may be introduced. The SOP for the dynamic pricing system will be as directed by UCADA which will be binding on all the selected bidder.

The Operator shall pay royalty inclusive of GST equal to Rs 5,000 per landing at all government owned Helipads. The royalty amount has to be deposited on weekly basis. Shuttle royalty shall also increase by 05% with every extension in contract.

All other equipment/infrastructure for communication, meteorological facilities, medical facilities, fire-fighting and safe flying operation etc shall be the sole responsibility of the Operator, who shall provide it as per norms prescribed by DGCA/ other agencies.

When the helicopter is requisitioned by UCADA and if any operator refuses or shows inability, a penalty of Rs 02.00 lakh will be levied. Withdrawal of any helicopter on the grounds of reduced pilgrim traffic etc. shall be allowed only after the Operator has obtained the specific written approval of the Chief Executive Officer/ Addl. Chief Executive Officer, UCADA failing which a penalty @ Rs 20,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 100,000/- per day) shall be liable to be imposed. The above penalty shall also apply in case the Operator suspends flying beyond 24 hours, on account of some technical snag/ non availability of pilots or any other reason whatsoever. The penalty amount shall be double in the subsequent days of suspended operations i.e. Rs. 40,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 200,000/- for 2nd day), Rs. 80,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 400,000/- for 3rd day) and so on till 07 days after which the contract of the successful operator can be cancelled

And here’s the clincher!

UCADA shall not be liable for what-so-ever consequences arising out of any accident, incident, mishap, or any event relating to the operation of the helicopter services of the Operator, who shall be solely and exclusively liable for any injury, damage or liability of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of its operations.

It is the greedy government who washes off their responsibilities but wants only profits. They have zero liability but a cut-in in every dime earned over and above the free rides.

High time people wake up and question the greedy bureaucrats. Until then, we are doomed.

even now if some people come up with espionage theory than also only govt is to blame

Delicious-Isopod5483

So what's the excuse? RaGa meeting Soros, Nehru not making zipline, Dr MMS not buying new helicopters or Aurangzeb capturing Kashmir..?

SensibleIndian_

5th accident in a month??? Seems fishy to the core.

whereIsMyMind_here

Uttarakhand seems to have the worst safety regulations in the country. Using a helicopter there is playing Russian roulette.

PensionMany3658

polite_warrior

Eastern-Emotion9685

AmbitiousCrow726

Govt. Should do the investigation from all perspectives, I mean any kind of sabotage, software failure or anything

6ix9ine_meme

Affectionate_Disk766

This region is not eligible for daily flights, nor is it a straightforward route that is being run commercially.

This terrain is dangerous, and I do not understand why people use this? Just because it makes money, and people can afford to fly directly to the temple? 

Helicopter flights for pilgrimage should be stopped and should only be used in case of emergency or special purpose.

anonymous_panelist

ShortMusic_38

slowcheeta21

dude what's going on so many deaths this year. OM shanti for them

SmallDetail8461

"chaltha hai" attitude and mandatory maintenance checklist doesn't goes well together.

settayi

Everyone in this country have chalta hai attitude jab tk chalta tha tb to chal rha tha ab nhi chal rha na har jagah bc jaise hai waise he rhenge jara bhi change chaiye he nhi kisiko to chalao firr

rishipdy

LosInDaSos

Coffeebeans2d

Too many helicopter crashes all over the world. I would avoid

Inside-Judgment6233

kos1111

sharmath101_avs

Chaltahaikoinahi

🙏🙏🕉️

Prayers for them. Very tragic but in their hearts they were on the way to Yatra. 

I hope to visit one day

As a young teen I went with Dad to Gangotri which I very very much loved. Is perfect altitude as about 10,000 feet with beautiful pine and the Ganges roaring RIGHT past town and mountain Ganges is amazing!! 

We walked towards Gaumukh but sadly we didn't make it! I got very bad dysentery and a little fever. We walked one day up into mountains and had to stop. It was perfect place for me to rest when I was ill. Higher up in mountains in the nice air and camp RIGHT under view of Shivaling mountain and some others. No one else stayed where we were and it felt good to stay there. 

We walked to a place named Dodital in Uttarkhand. I think it is the lake that they say ~Lord Ganesh was born or came from but this surprises me as not that many people go up there. We had to walk from end of road for some hrs to a village named Agoda where they were very Traditional and no road (maybe now road but not sure) Then walked to Dodital lake. And then up and over the Bagyuls (high meadows that I think about 14,000 feet) and then down into some secluded villages and back down to road. 

On way to Dodital in that area is MANY Balu , leopard etc so must be aware of those. The Himalayas is the best. As I was born as a Tibetan buddhist we also went to some very holy places including very high in Himalayas. Places I can feel the ancient energy and holy feelings to be honest

himalayanhimachal

Everything going south after eagle took the flag of Jagannath.

JustGulabjamun

High time to stop using helicopter and usage of animals for the trek.

Alternative-Bed9084


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Few days ago .. We saw a crash landing of helicopter on road, now this.


Putting profit above all else 🌝, what you expect .. 

Flaky-Tradition-3468

Why just heli? palki , horses, pitthu everything needs to be banned

Fantastic_Pain_7757

I went to kedarnath in 2020 for te first time &amp; it was so peaceful and made the trek so easy

When i went back in 2022 it was so difficult to trek because of the crowd. People would just stand in between of path blocking the way for others.

There should be a daily limit on pilgrims coming to chaar dham

itsthekrish

1 emergency landing, 1 crash landing with no fatalities and an actual crash with almost everyone onboard killed. 3 in one season. Great job in handling people's lives. Incompetent fucks.

jaabaanz_parinda

agar bulawa aayega toh bhakt padyatra krke jayega. na ghode se, na khachhar se, na helicopter se. har har mahadev.

nikhil-IT

I don't understand what's the point of visiting places like Kedarnath with a helicopter. Like most of the fun (and sanctity) is in the trekking route. What do people achieve by skipping the actual hardwork of climbing up and just reaching the final destination? It's called a pilgrimage for a reason! Do they think that gods would be happy just because they showed up at the temple by burning fuel and hurting animals?

SecureMulberry1525

Correction :-
Plane was carrying: 7 people
Dead : 5-6

Naive_Western_6708

Helicopter service should be stopped and banned for Kedarnath pilgrimages. If you can't consider cultural factors at least consider the ecological  factor. Everyone in the  system is muted by money flowing into their pockets.  Om Shanti, condolences to the family members of decreased.

DeerMajor5925

No use bhai, they are killing hill stations and char dham in the name of tourism.

The way crowds are coming to Char Dham and Govt enjoying the big count. Something bigger will happen like 2013. Govt is not worrying about people just they want to count in the same way people who are coming majority of them they are coming for reels.

SpecificDelicious007

Leather_Mousse_7806

There is zero regulation , safety checks and penalities to these operators . It is surreal to see we are living in 2025 and letting these operators run loose without any accountability. 
The aviation accidents are at an all time high. Seems like anyone can get a licence to operator a chopper company and no checks are done thereafter

Expensive-Pen-7074

This show how our state gov is treating choppers like union taxi, with no seriousness towards service and mentainance of this aircrafts. 5 accidents in just 1 seasons is totally unacceptable. Their are not even 5 major air accident in the past 20 years in big airlines. 

ashjackuk

I've seen heli services mostly used by ederly people or someone with co-morbidity (so, imo it's good to have). But there should be robust sop and strict parameters to be followed by service providers and dedicated weather info system by IMD  (which I'm surprise not exist for Chardham). Offload flight planning to heli service provider is like giving security men job to thieves.

butmrpdf

No proper maintenance, checks. Companies just want to maximize their profits by putting human lives on risk.

gay_whenn_horny

Every year this happens. Still no check on tourism and overcrowding of these ecosensitive locations

true_north986

What was the need of a helicopter in that area.....salo paidal jao waha pe.......

Extension-Sense9729

Everything there should get banned
Paidal jao, nhi chl skte paidal mat jao

Literally I regularly visit the ghati and the noise of helis is unbearable 
How locals are happy about that, why didn’t they protested

for_blues_

Ok_Cow_8988

z_viper_

I fully agree… Outsiders are treating it like a honeymoon spot nowadays. We need to preserve the sanctity of our Holi places.

Slight_Indication745

agar inn logon Mai itni shiv k liye itni respect aur bhakti Hai to walk krke jao Mai gya tha June 2023 Mai walk krke gya aur agle din tungnath Bhi gya walk krke agar Hai dum to jao wrna Ghar baithon waise Bhi aadhe se jyda insta reels Banane aur couple photoshoot k liye jaate Hai

 kedarnath ek eco sensitive zone Hai Wahan Har din saal ke kuch mahine roj helicopter itni baar AA ka rha Hai whan Ki biodiversity, wildlife sanctuary pe affect pad rha Hai 

there are 12 jyotirlinga in India 11 of them are easy reachable and accessible kedarnath isn't  because it's that way it's essence and your devotion towards shiv and it's the real test of your Faith don't cheat on the test and play with the nature

According_Round_9151

rishu404

What people need to understand in this country Political greed &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; corporate greed. 

To understand how UCADA operates and behaves with these private operators, read few of the terms from their agreement: 

Operator will have to provide 10 flying hours (on non-chargeable basis) each Yatra season to meet exigencies as determined by UCADA. 

Each operator will provide the flying hours when directed by UCADA, failure is doing so will attract a penalty of Rs 02 lakh each time. In such a case the balance number of hours will remain unchanged. 

For utilization of these hours a roaster will be followed. These services will be provided as per the direction of CEO, UCADA. When the helicopter is requisitioned by UCADA and if any operator refuses or shows inability, a penalty of Rs 02.00 lakh will be levied. 

Withdrawal of any helicopter on the grounds of reduced pilgrim traffic etc. shall be allowed only after the Operator has obtained the specific written approval of the Chief Executive Officer/ Addl. Chief Executive Officer, UCADA failing which a penalty @ Rs 20,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 100,000/- per day) shall be liable to be imposed. The above penalty shall also apply in case the Operator suspends flying beyond 24 hours, on account of some technical snag/ non availability of pilots or any other reason whatsoever. The penalty amount shall be double in the subsequent days of suspended operations i.e. Rs. 40,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 200,000/- for 2nd day), Rs. 80,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 400,000/- for 3rd day) and so on till 07 days after which the contract of the successful operator can be cancelled. 

The Company shall carry out the flight operations daily, with least inconvenience to the Yatris, subject to fair weather conditions and clearance by the ATC/Competent authority. (to be clear, there is NO ATC or “competent authority” in Chota Char Dham sector except for pilots). 

Each pilot operating Shuttles will be permitted a maximum of 50 landings in a day and the bidder will comply with DGCA CAR Section-7 Series-J Part-II without any aberrations. 

The booking of Heli tickets for shuttle services will be 100% online through website authorized by UCADA. 03% (Inclusive of GST) of the tariff of each booked ticket as Yatra Facilitation Charges shall be charged by UCADA from shuttle operator. (This is like booking airline tickets through DGCA!) Booking charges/convenience fees over and above the ticket charges shall be collected from the passenger by the ticket booking agency authorised by UCADA. 

Dynamic pricing system over and above the L1 rate may be introduced. The SOP for the dynamic pricing system will be as directed by UCADA which will be binding on all the selected bidder. 

The Operator shall pay royalty inclusive of GST equal to Rs 5,000 per landing at all government owned Helipads. The royalty amount has to be deposited on weekly basis. Shuttle royalty shall also increase by 05% with every extension in contract. 

All other equipment/infrastructure for communication, meteorological facilities, medical facilities, fire-fighting and safe flying operation etc shall be the sole responsibility of the Operator, who shall provide it as per norms prescribed by DGCA/ other agencies. 

When the helicopter is requisitioned by UCADA and if any operator refuses or shows inability, a penalty of Rs 02.00 lakh will be levied. Withdrawal of any helicopter on the grounds of reduced pilgrim traffic etc. shall be allowed only after the Operator has obtained the specific written approval of the Chief Executive Officer/ Addl. Chief Executive Officer, UCADA failing which a penalty @ Rs 20,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 100,000/- per day) shall be liable to be imposed. The above penalty shall also apply in case the Operator suspends flying beyond 24 hours, on account of some technical snag/ non availability of pilots or any other reason whatsoever. The penalty amount shall be double in the subsequent days of suspended operations i.e. Rs. 40,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 200,000/- for 2nd day), Rs. 80,000/- per scheduled flying hour (subject to a maximum of Rs. 400,000/- for 3rd day) and so on till 07 days after which the contract of the successful operator can be cancelled 

And here’s the clincher!

UCADA shall not be liable for what-so-ever consequences arising out of any accident, incident, mishap, or any event relating to the operation of the helicopter services of the Operator, who shall be solely and exclusively liable for any injury, damage or liability of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of its operations.

It is the greedy government who washes off their responsibilities but wants only profits. They have zero liability but a cut-in in every dime earned over and above the free rides.

High time people wake up and question the greedy bureaucrats. Until then, we are doomed.

Did this happen like right now in the morning !?

illusion-and-desire

peter_parkerrs

I don't get why half the religious hotspots are at extremely difficult to reach places

New-Violinist119

AvGeekGupta

London jao crash kedarnath jao crash and kumbh jao stampede , their should be documentry how not to run a nation !

Doremon-kaBF

We have to publicise this incident for better reaction. How can they allow this to happen?

Koreanturd

bakedmishtidoi

5 crash and still the government doesn't ban them. Nice

ImaginaryGood272

Sadd om shanti 🙏 but why did the government not notice such an aviation company 5 incident and still government ignoring company

awkward_growth_2304

merekaju2304

paisewallah

RestaurantHour8453

Naya bata kar purana helicopter kharid liya hoga

Afraid-Proposal5436

So we need another ambulance for a ambulance?

artistry_evolved

TheAdventure_soul222

Only-Fox556

ONE SEPERATE CABLE CAR SHOULD BE MADE, ALONG WITH REGULAR CABLE CARS, WHICH ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION,..    WHICH WILL TAKE PATIENTS TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL IN GAURIKUND

NoDescription2627

SadMammoth6645

[deleted]

Mr-cacahead

I am well trained in GTA and I could do better. Lmao. Jk.

Tranceported

There was a similar crash last year as well

Snoo_11078

Standard_Economics90

I don’t understand why he pulled collective again after the first contact.

Cambren1

gulab_jamun_17

Tsambozhimomi

Thank god he didn’t try lifting it again.

Obvious-Skill-7134

Aiims rishikesh should be transfer to gairsain make capital gairsain and shift all big hospital institute there sab kuch pajad me lejao tavi pahadi ko jon ilaj milkega wrna ye mini up me sadte rho job wale v bahar wale ilaj v bahar wwalo ka

AmountLegal6434

Why tf do so many helicopters crash in India

Full-Handle-4497

Dry_Resident4168

Aiims rishikesh gairsain jana chyye or rajdhani v gairsain ..mini up bana dya bjp congres ne ise

Senior-Psychology-93

Concerns raised over helicopter safety in Kedarnath following a tragic crash that resumed helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra.

Kedarnath Helicopter Crash and Safety Concerns

Why This Matters

Public Sentiment Summary

Highlighted Comments

Parties Involved

What the people want