Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Sunday expressed profound sorrow over the tragic helicopter crash in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, calling it a “heartbreaking” incident that demands immediate and long-term reforms in India’s aviation safety measures.
Speaking to media, Jha compared the Rudraprayag crash to the recent Ahmedabad plane tragedy, stating that both events have left the nation deeply shocked.
“What happened recently in Ahmedabad was very tragic, and today’s incident (Uttarakhand helicopter crash) is equally heartbreaking,” Jha said.
He emphasized that these repeated mishaps require not just mourning but serious governmental introspection and robust corrective action.
“After such accidents, when we are in pain and the country is in distress, there is a strong emotional reaction. But beyond that, there should be long-term decisions regarding safety audits, strict safety protocols, and identification of systemic flaws in the aviation sector. There must be detailed discussions on all these fronts,” Jha told media.
Crash Details and Official Response
Earlier today, a Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed near Gaurikund in Rudraprayag district, killing all seven onboard, including five adults, one infant, and the pilot. The helicopter was on a Kedarnath pilgrimage service, flying between Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad and Guptkashi.
According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the aircraft:
- Took off from Guptkashi at 05:10 am
- Landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad at 05:18 am
- Departed again for Guptkashi at 05:19 am
- Crashed between 05:30 am and 05:45 am near Gaurikund
The ministry stated that an investigation team has been dispatched to the site, and the black box retrieval is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Prime Minister Modi, Union Ministers Briefed
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that he personally briefed:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi (currently on a foreign visit in Cyprus)
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu
PM Modi, according to CM Dhami’s post on X, expressed deep condolences and assured all necessary support from the Centre.
“He (PM Modi) obtained detailed information regarding the Rudraprayag helicopter accident and assured all possible assistance,” Dhami wrote.
A high-level meeting was held in Dehradun immediately after the crash to discuss emergency measures, rescue, and investigation.
Growing Concern Over Aviation Safety
This tragedy has renewed nationwide concerns over the safety of aviation operations in high-altitude pilgrimage routes, especially in the Char Dham region, where helicopter services are in high demand during the summer pilgrimage season.
RJD MP Manoj Jha’s call for comprehensive reforms highlights the growing sentiment in political and public circles that routine safety audits, pilot training improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and strict enforcement of safety standards are essential to prevent such disasters in the future.
Summary
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in the Rudraprayag helicopter crash, voices like Manoj Jha’s are urging the government to shift from post-incident relief to preventive and structural aviation reforms to ensure the safety of flyers, especially in sensitive zones like Uttarakhand.