Helicopter Safety Under Scrutiny: 30 Fatalities in Five Years

In the past five years, 12 helicopter accidents have occurred in India, resulting in 30 deaths. Most incidents happened in Uttarakhand. In response, the DGCA has issued stricter safety regulations for helicopter operations, particularly during the Chardham Yatra, to enhance safety and adherence to SOPs.

The government has reported that 12 helicopter accidents resulting in 30 fatalities occurred in the last five years, seven of which took place in Uttarakhand.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has heightened its surveillance and conducted additional safety audits specifically for the Chardham Yatra helicopter operations.

The DGCA has emphasized and reinforced the safety standards for helicopter flights, focusing on access control, parking arrangements, slot regulation, pilot training, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, as a means to curb such accidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)