Dehradun, May 12
More than 21,000 pilgrims have availed helicopter services for the ongoing Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand since April 22, with authorities using advanced monitoring systems to ensure safe and smooth flight operations during the pilgrimage season, officials said on Tuesday.
According to officials, 17,976 passengers travelled through shuttle helicopter services operating from Phata, Guptkashi and Sirsi, while 3,974 pilgrims completed the Char Dham circuit through chartered helicopter services as of May 10.
Officials said the Integrated Command and Control and Communication Centre at the Sahastradhara heliport has been continuously monitoring flight movements and weather conditions to maintain operational safety. A six-member joint team comprising officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the India Meteorological Department, and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority has also been coordinating with Air Traffic Control authorities to facilitate safe pilgrimage operations.
Authorities said heli routes and tracking systems for every shuttle service are being monitored in real time. High definition cameras installed along the routes are also tracking helicopter landings and take-offs to enable quick response during emergencies.
UCADA Chief Executive Officer Ashish Chauhan said the state government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has been using modern technology to make the yatra safer and more organised.
“We are monitoring every flight for visibility and safety parameters before granting clearance,” Chauhan said.
The annual Char Dham Yatra commenced after the reopening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on April 19 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, following the six-month winter break. The portals of the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples were reopened on April 22 and April 23, respectively.
