Kedarnath yatra: DGCA set up addl checks for pilots, safe helicopter ops

From installation of weather cameras at helipads to additional checks for pilots, aviation watchdog DGCA has put in place a raft of measures to ensure safe helicopter operations during the Kedarnath pilgrimage season.

The measures also come against the backdrop of instances of unpredictable weather conditions and a helicopter accident in April wherein an official was killed. Also, last October, at least seven pilgrims were killed in a helicopter crash near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

A senior official on Tuesday said additional hill check has been mandated for pilots operating to helipads that are located at or above 10,000 feet for the current Kedarnath yatra season, which started in April.