Helicopter services are a major convenience for those who are too old or physically unfit to trek to the dhams. They are much cheaper, too, as hiring a mule or horse for the trip costs considerably more. Obviously, then, there is considerable scope for expanding this service in the hills and comprises a major business opportunity. The availability of choppers also would make it possible to use them for purposes other than just ferrying tourists, such as rescue operations and providing emergency services. It becomes necessary, therefore, for these to be safe as much as possible.
The tragic crash near Gangnani on Thursday of a helicopter ferrying tourists to Harshil, leading to six deaths, raises a red flag regarding safety protocols. The state government has established rules, along with the usual regulatory structure of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), regarding safe conduct of such flights, but the question is whether these are being followed in the spirit as much as the letter. The reason for the Gangnani crash is not yet known, but the likelihood of protocol violation is often a cause.
It should not be, for instance, that old helicopters, retired from service by larger companies are purchased for operations in places like Uttarakhand by small time operators to kickstart a ferry service. There is nothing wrong, of course, with establishing start-ups in a burgeoning industry, but wise business policy requires that emphasis is placed on quality, rather than seeking to exact every last mile out of an aircraft. This does not imply, of course, that this was what happened in the present case, but those who hand out licences should be careful in this regard.
It is also important that accurate weather forecasts for the particular route should be readily available, and the pilot has some prior knowledge of the terrain. Flying helicopters, especially those with single engines, requires greater skill and experience in high mountainous areas. Care should be taken that young not so experienced pilots are properly trained before undertaking more difficult flights. It may be recalled that, recently, even the CM’s helicopter avoided a mishap due to the alertness of ground staff.
Incidents like the one in Gangnani can inflict a severe setback to the growth of helicopter services. As it is, there are always vested interests lobbying against new initiatives in every sector. It is all the more necessary, therefore, for the government to ensure everything is up to the mark when promoting new ventures of this sort.
