Watch Video: Helicopter with Pilgrims Makes Emergency Landing in Kedarnath
Watch Video: Helicopter with Pilgrims Makes Emergency Landing in Kedarnath
A helicopter carrying seven people, including six pilgrims, made an emergency landing near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand early Friday after experiencing a technical snag. The chopper, which had taken off from the Sirsi helipad, developed a problem in its rear motor, prompting the pilot to execute a landing a few meters from the designated helipad at the Himalayan temple.
Rudraprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar confirmed that all passengers, including the pilot, are safe. “The pilot maintained composure and made a swift decision, averting a major mishap.
All the passengers are safe, and the pilgrims were able to proceed with their ‘darshan’ at the temple,” Gaharwar said. The incident occurred around 7 a.m., and an investigation is currently underway.
Kedarnath Dham, dedicated to Lord Shiva, opened for devotees on Akshay Tritiya (May 10) and will remain open until Kartik Purnima (November 15). It is a key site in the Char Dham Yatra, which also includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath.
The pilgrimage, traditionally held from April-May to October-November, has seen 26 lakh registrations this year from devotees across the country and abroad.
In related developments, the Uttarakhand government has extended the ban on VIP darshan until May 31 to ensure equitable access for all pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra. Additionally, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi has issued an order prohibiting videography and the creation of social media reels within a 50-meter radius of the temple complexes at all four Dhams.
