Yamunotri helipad unused a yr on; temple committee urges govt action

Uttarkashi: Members of the Yamunotri temple committee have expressed frustration over the non-operation of helicopter services at the helipad constructed nearly a year ago. Committee officials have urged the govt and district administration to take immediate steps to resume operations, citing difficulties faced by elderly and disabled pilgrims to the steep 6-km-long trek to the shrine.Temple committee secretary Sunil Uniyal said the absence of helicopter services has created significant inconvenience. "The resumption of the helicopter service will not only ease access to the dham but also strengthen the local economy," he said.Committee treasurer Pradeep Uniyal said that land has already been allocated for the proposed ropeway project from Kharsali to Yamunotri, but that plan remains stalled. "If helicopter services can operate smoothly in Kedarnath, why are they still not functional in Yamunotri despite the construction of a helipad?" he asked.Officials said that flights were halted due to technical concerns and safety requirements. District magistrate Prashant Arya said a report has been requested to assess the safety of the helipad. "A decision on operations will be made only after technical and safety standards are confirmed," he said.