By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 16 Jul: A major controversy has erupted over an unauthorised helicopter flight to Kedarnath in defiance of a government-imposed ban in force currently. The chopper flight was booked and taken two days ago by Chairman of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) despite the current restriction in force aimed at ensuring safety of Char Dham pilgrims during the ongoing monsoon. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) have initiated a formal probe into the incident.
The controversial helicopter flight has raised fresh questions over enforcement and accountability in high-altitude aviation operations. The helicopter, operated by a private company, reportedly flew to the Kedarnath shrine two days ago, flouting standing orders under which all the chopper services to Kedarnath and other Char Dham shrines are currently suspended.
It may be recalled that the suspension of flights during the peak monsoon season had been ordered in view of a spate of recent accidents and persistent inclement weather in Kedar Valley. While Dwivedi had flown to Kedarnath, he could not return on the same day as the flight remained grounded for an entire day owing to adverse conditions before returning. The passengers are reported to have returned on the next day.
Sources also claim that besides Hemant Dwivedi, there were a few industrialists also in the chopper. The presence of such a senior temple official has added a layer of complexity to the controversy.
Speaking to some media persons over a phone call, the priest Hemant Trivedi, currently stationed in Kedarnath, confirmed the arrival of Dwivedi and his entourage via the unauthorised flight. The revelation has forced the regulatory agencies to swing into action.
UCADA Chief Executive Officer Ashish Chauhan has confirmed that a notice has already been issued to the helicopter operator and assured that stringent disciplinary action shall follow. Secretariat Cadre office Sanjay Tolia, who has been designated as the investigating officer in this regard, has also confirmed that helicopter flights to Kedarnath are presently suspended under orders jointly issued by UCADA and the DGCA. He added that the investigation would rely on existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), violations of which could lead to punitive measures.
Tolia further clarified that he was in Delhi at the time when the flight application was processed but took immediate steps to intervene once the breach was detected. He termed the flight a “wilful violation” of civil aviation norms, particularly those that require helicopter pilots to return immediately upon encountering adverse weather conditions. These rules were recently strengthened to enhance safety standards for aerial pilgrimage operations in the Himalayan region.
Meanwhile, the unauthorised nature of the flight has brought legal scrutiny upon the helicopter company, with UCADA’s legal team examining potential violations under the Aircraft Rules, 1937. Legal experts suggest that the operator may also be liable under provisions of the Indian Penal Code related to endangerment, criminal negligence, and breach of public safety protocols. Particular focus is being placed on whether the operator manipulated or bypassed electronic surveillance systems designed to flag unauthorised aviation activity in high-security areas like Kedarnath.
On the other hand, Hemant Dwivedi has denied any knowledge of regulatory violations. When contacted, he stated that the helicopter had been booked by him, but he claimed to be unaware of the legal status of the flight. He also distanced himself from any responsibility regarding the requisite flight permissions or documentation. Dwivedi is a senior BJP leader and has held Lal Batti responsibilities in the past, too. He has also been involved in certain controversies in the past. It remains to be seen if his weak defence claiming to be unaware of the rules is able to absolve him entirely, especially if the inquiry decides to examine the liability of passengers.
The incident has also reignited concerns over the lax implementation of aviation regulations during Uttarakhand’s peak pilgrimage season. The action taken in this case by the authorities will be keenly watched by the experts and political analysts.
