Srinagar, June 23
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has no objection in allowing helicopter services to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, but no deviation of norms prescribed for such sensitive flights would be allowed, an official spokesman said today.
The state government has authorised the Civil Aviation Department to monitor the chopper services to the Amarnath cave for the safety of the pilgrims and the helicopters, keeping in view the Civil Aviation Regulations, flying norms and infrastructural facilities available for such a ‘’sensitive’’ service, he said.
All private flying companies are required to pass all norms and formalities required under the law, the spokesman said.
“It is the prime responsibility of the government to ensure safety and comfort of pilgrims flying to the holy cave shrine in helicopters. The government will not allow any deviation of any norms prescribed for such sensitive flights,’’ he added.
However, the spokesman said the state government had no objection in allowing the helicopters operation to the Amarnath Cave, subject to condition that safety of pilgrims and the choppers was ensured.
He also clarified that as the holy cave has limited airspace and hours of operation and also less number of helipads it warrants limited flying of helicopters.
The spokesman further said that once the helicopters enter the Gund and Sonamarg valley, they lose communication links with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Srinagar, causing air safety concerns. ‘’Unless the number of helicopters are restricted or safe regulation of air traffic procedure adhered to, the operation of many choppers at a time could be dangerous,’’ he added.
At present, there are eight to 10 helicopters operating at a time between Baltal and the cave area which include those of the Army, the Air Force, the BSF, the state government, private companies such as Jagson, Himalayan Heli Skiing and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation.
‘’The state government is keen on the safety of helicopters and ensure there is no untoward incident or any stroke accident, causing inconvenience to the pilgrims,’’ the spokesman said.
He said everyone one must realise that helicopter operation to Amarnath was a serious air service unlike normal flights in plains.
This air service required utmost care as the cave helipad was at an altitude of 12,800 feet with very little scope for error. The Civil Aviation Department was not creating any hurdles in the chopper services, but only trying to ensure that everything related to the safety of pilgrims and helicopters was in place before full-fledged operations commenced to the Amarnath Cave, he added.
“A few days’ delay aimed at ensuring foolproof safety to pilgrims and helicopters should not be judged as a matter of great concern, but the spirit behind the move needs to be appreciated,” the spokesman said.
—UNI
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