Helicopter Crashes While Returning from Badrinath, Rescue Operations Underway
A helicopter returning from Badrinath has crashed in Chamoli, prompting rescue efforts as six people were on board.
Chamoli, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : A helicopter returning from the revered Badrinath temple in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, has reportedly crashed due to adverse weather conditions. The incident, which occurred on October 30, has led to an ongoing rescue operation.
According to local authorities, the helicopter, registered as VT-HCX and operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, took off from Badrinath at 1:12 PM, heading towards Dehradun. It is believed to have gone missing between Badrinath and Joshimath. The last contact was made near an army post located behind Haathi Pahad, after which all communication ceased.
There were six individuals on board the helicopter. Rescue teams from the district administration and the army are currently facing challenges due to poor weather. A medical team has already been dispatched to the crash site.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his concern on the social media platform X. He stated, “I have received unfortunate news regarding the helicopter crash near Chai village, close to Joshimath. A joint rescue operation is being conducted by the district administration, disaster management department, and SDRF. I am continuously monitoring the situation and have instructed that severely injured individuals be airlifted to higher medical centers for better treatment. I pray for the safe return of the passengers.”
Badrinath is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four sacred shrines known as the Char Dham and is often referred to as “Bhuwai Vaikunth,” meaning the earthly abode of Lord Vishnu. According to legend, it was here that Lord Vishnu meditated, and to protect him from the harsh weather, Goddess Lakshmi took the form of a berry tree, giving the place its name.
The temple is accessible to devotees only six months a year, from April to November, due to heavy snowfall. During the winter months, the idol is moved to the nearby town of Joshimath.
