Rudraprayag, June 7 – A helicopter carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath was forced to make an emergency landing on a highway in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Saturday after experiencing a technical fault mid-air. As per agency report, the aircraft, operated by Kestrel Aviation, had five passengers and a pilot onboard, all of whom escaped the incident unharmed. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Footage circulating on social media shows the helicopter parked in the middle of a highway, dangerously close to residential buildings. The aircraft’s tail rotor reportedly struck a car during the landing, causing damage. Officials stated that the helicopter had departed from Barasu helipad for Kedarnath, but soon encountered a technical issue, prompting the pilot to make a controlled emergency landing near Sirsi.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as alarming, as the helicopter appeared unstable in the air before descending abruptly onto the road. Local authorities confirmed that all six occupants escaped injury, with the pilot being the only one requiring medical attention due to back pain.

Rahul Chaubey, the nodal officer for Kedarnath helicopter services, clarified that the emergency incident has not disrupted the ongoing Kedarnath temple shuttle services. Efforts to remove the helicopter from the highway are currently underway.

The police have urged pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath via road to remain at their current locations, as the process of clearing the aircraft may take some time. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the helicopter involved was an AW119 registered as VT-RNK, piloted by Captain R.P.S. Sodhi. Preliminary information suggests that the issue was detected shortly after takeoff, and the pilot promptly diverted for a highway landing near the helipad.

DGCA has deployed a team to the site to conduct a detailed investigation. The helicopter had taken off from Barasu (Sirsi) helipad at 12:52 PM.

This marks the fourth such helicopter-related incident along the Char Dham pilgrimage route within a month. On May 8, a tragic crash near Gangnani in Uttarkashi claimed six lives, including five women pilgrims and the pilot, when a helicopter headed to Gangotri temple went down. On May 12, another helicopter returning from Badrinath had to land in a school field in Ukhimath due to poor visibility, though no one was harmed. Similarly, on May 17, a helicopter ambulance from AIIMS Rishikesh crash-landed near the Kedarnath helipad, but all three on board survived without injuries.

The recurrence of such incidents has raised questions about safety measures in place for aerial services during the Char Dham Yatra, prompting aviation authorities to enhance scrutiny and review protocols for flights in the high-altitude terrain of Uttarakhand.

New Delhi, March 28 – The annual Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to begin from April 30 this year, with over nine lakh devotees already registered for the pilgrimage. In light of increasing crowd and concerns over decorum, new rules have been introduced, particularly targeting social media influencers and video creators.

One of the key decisions taken by the administration and temple authorities is a complete ban on shooting videos and making social media reels inside temple premises. Pilgrims found violating this rule will be sent back without being allowed to complete their darshan. This step comes after last year’s incidents where video-making disrupted temple decorum and caused crowd mismanagement.

In Kedarnath, it was reported that musical instruments like drums were played solely for video content, disturbing the spiritual atmosphere and the natural serenity of the site. In response, the administration has now strictly prohibited the use of cameras inside the temple.

Additionally, VIP darshan privileges have also been withdrawn for this year’s yatra. Ashok Todariya, Treasurer of the Badrinath Dham Panda Panchayat, stated that facilitating priority access in exchange for money goes against the sanctity of divine worship. Hence, all devotees will follow the same queue system, ensuring equal opportunity for darshan.

The yatra will commence with the opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on April 30, followed by Kedarnath on May 2 and Badrinath on May 4. To manage the large influx of pilgrims and ensure safety, the pilgrimage route has been divided into 10-kilometre segments, each monitored by six police personnel.

In case of adverse weather conditions, the administration has also created 10 designated holding zones along the route. These shelters will provide food, water, and essential services to offer respite to stranded pilgrims.

The new guidelines aim to restore the spiritual sanctity of the Char Dham Yatra, ensuring that the experience remains peaceful, inclusive, and focused on devotion rather than digital content creation.

New Delhi, 30 June (HS): On Sunday, a large avalanche swept across Gandhi Sarovar near Kedarnath. A video of an avalanche racing down the slopes became popular on social media. However, no casualties have been recorded thus far.

On Sunday morning, at 5 a.m., an avalanche hit the icy peak behind Kedarnath Dham. At roughly 5 a.m. on Sunday, an avalanche fell from above the Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath. Dr Vishakha Ashok Bhadane, senior superintendent of police in Rudraprayag, stated that no lives or property were lost. The snow fell heavily from the mountain, and snow dust began to rise from it. This created a sensation in Kedarnath. The avalanche lasted for quite some time. However, avalanches are not infrequent on this peak.

Nandan Singh Rajwar, a disaster management official, revealed that the sector officer of Kedarnath reported an avalanche on the hill above Gandhi Sarovar on Sunday morning. ?However, no damage was inflicted by the avalanche. He added that such avalanches happen from time to time on this mountain. Such events occur when there is heavy snowfall. They do not cause any damage," he stated.

Guptkashi (Uttarakhand), 24 May (HS): The helicopter going from Sersi to Kedarnathdham narrowly escaped an accident. The rotor of this helicopter suddenly broke down. A major accident was averted due to the wisdom of the pilot. The six passengers and pilot on board are safe. This helicopter belongs to Crystal Aviation.

The helicopter left for Kedarnath Dham at 7:30 in the morning with six passengers. The rotor of the helicopter broke down just 100 meters before the helipad in Kedarnath. The pilot displayed patience and wisdom and landed the helicopter on raw soil. As soon as the information was received, the administration stopped all heli services for some time. An investigating officer has been appointed to investigate this.

This time permission has been given to nine heli services for Kedarnath Dham. It is alleged that all the heli services are being operated contrary to the standards of DGCA and UCADA. Neither are the companies maintaining the height relative to the heli service standards nor are they following the safety standards. Passengers are crammed into old helicopters and are made to travel to Kedarnath Dham.

Kedarnath/Dehradun, 17 May (HS): Under the Chardham Yatra, entry of vehicles coming without registration to Kedarnath Dham has been banned. Due to limited space in the parking lots located at Sitapur and Sonprayag, the local administration is allowing vehicles to enter only after registration on the prescribed date.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Dr. Vishakha Ashok Bhadane inspected the arrangements at Chowki Jawadi on Friday and gave necessary directions to the concerned in-charge. He said that there is a certain capacity of people stopping at the yatra halts including Kedarnath Dham. The parking lots located in Rudraprayag district also have a fixed capacity.

The biggest thing is that after the entry of a vehicle in the parking lots located at Sitapur and Sonprayag, the vehicle remains in the parking lot for three days. He said that the pressure on the travel route is increasing due to very less clearance in the parking lot and excessive vehicles coming from outside. To reduce the pressure of vehicles, vehicles coming from outside are being checked at Chowki Jawadi bypass of Rudraprayag district. Vehicles going towards Badrinath Dham are being allowed to pass through the main market Rudraprayag. He told that people are being allowed to go towards Kedarnath Dham only after registration on the prescribed date.

Devotees reaching Kedar Dham on foot, stick or horse-mule.

To control police traffic on the route leading to Kedarnath Dham, vehicles are being sent towards Sitapur and Sonprayag. In order to clear the temporary barriers at Tilwara, Kakdagad, Narayankoti, Dagdya Barrier (FATA), Shersi, Sitapur and Sonprayag parking, vehicles are being sent forward from these places. The pilgrims who have reached Sitapur and Sonprayag are being queued up to be sent to the shuttle parking at Sonprayag to Gaurikund and as per the convenience of the pilgrims, they are being sent to Kedarnath Dham on foot, with the help of stick-cart or horse-mule.

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: A growing number of devotees are embracing online pujas offered by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) for the revered shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

In a recent surge, over 6,975 devotees have booked online pujas on the BKTC's official website (https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in) within a week, from April 15th to 22nd. This translates to a cumulative booking value of over Rs 1 crore and 20 lakh.

The data indicates a healthy split between the two Dhams, with 4,735 devotees booking pujas for Badrinath and 2,246 for Kedarnath. This trend highlights the growing popularity of online puja services, allowing devotees to participate in rituals even if they are unable to make the physical pilgrimage.

BKTC Embraces Digital Transformation

The BKTC's emphasis on e-office and online services is a key driver behind this success. The committee has invested in modernizing its puja counters and website to ensure a seamless user experience.

This commitment to digitalization is evident in the figures. As per Yogendra Singh, BKTC CEO, online puja bookings have generated over Rs 1.2 crore for both Dhams. Badrinath pujas alone have contributed Rs 82.5 lakh, while Kedarnath pujas have garnered Rs 37.4 lakh.

Spreading Information for a Wider Reach

The BKTC is actively disseminating information about online pujas and the upcoming Badri-Kedarnath Yatra through its media channels. According to Dr. Harish Gaur, BKTC media in-charge, continuous outreach efforts are underway to ensure pilgrims have access to all necessary details.

This focus on online services opens doors for devotees who might face challenges undertaking the physical pilgrimage. By embracing digital technology, the BKTC is ensuring wider accessibility and fostering a more inclusive pilgrimage experience.

Surat: A 12th-grade student from Surat has embarked on an ambitious 1,500-kilometer bicycle journey to the sacred site of Kedarnath. The 17-year-old, Rohit Jah, began his adventure on Monday and reached Rajasthan after five days of cycling. His goal is to complete the pilgrimage to Kedarnath in 16-17 days.

Many devotees visit Kedarnath during the Chardham Yatra of Bholenath, typically traveling by bus, car, or helicopter. However, Rohit, who lives in Shantivan Residency, Bhestan, Surat, chose a different approach by setting out on his bicycle. He began his journey with chants of 'Jai Bholenath' and plans to cover approximately 100 kilometers per day.

Rohit, who recently completed his 12th commerce board exams, decided to undertake this unique adventure without any support. Originally from Bihar, Rohit shared that he had wanted to visit Kedarnath for a long time and eventually decided to make the journey by bicycle.

To prepare for the trip, Rohit practiced cycling long distances, covering 50-60 kilometers daily. He also cycled from Surat to Mumbai before embarking on his Kedarnath journey. Rohit initially planned to start his pilgrimage on April 9 but, at the behest of his family and friends, departed on the auspicious day of Bhole Baba, Monday, April 10.

Rohit's aim is to reach Kedarnath Dham's doors before they open for darshan, cycling 100 kilometers each day to achieve his goal. Currently in Rajasthan, Rohit remains determined to complete his journey and reach Kedarnath within his targeted timeframe.