Monsoon tracker: Helicopter services suspended amid adverse weather conditions in Kedarnath Dham Yatra

District Magistrate of Rudraprayag, Vishal Mishra, said that all helicopter operations for the pilgrimage have been halted until further notice

- AJIKUMAR CHENNAI

Government and private schools that had closed because of the heat reopened but attendance was thin given the heavy rain.

With the southwest monsoon arriving in the hill State, there was no respite in sight. The local meteorological office issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places from July 2-6, except for July 4.

Meanwhile, several parts of Mumbai received over 100 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8 a.m. on Wednesday, resulting in waterlogging at the Andheri subway and a few other low-lying areas, officials said.

Helicopter services operating for the Kedarnath Dham Yatra have been suspended with the onset of the monsoon season in view of adverse weather conditions and passenger safety concerns, officials said.

The decision has been taken in line with guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), authorities added.

District Magistrate of Rudraprayag, Vishal Mishra, said that all helicopter operations for the pilgrimage have been halted until further notice. "Helicopters operated by Thambi Aviation, Himalayan Heli, Rajas Aero, United Helicharters, Pilgrimage Aviation, Chipsan Aviation, Trans Bharat Aviation and other operators have returned to their respective bases following the suspension. During the monsoon period, pilgrims will have to rely on alternative modes of transport such as ponies, mules and palanquins. Services will resume only after weather conditions improve and necessary clearances are granted," he said.

The Southwest Monsoon has officially covered the entire State of Himachal Pradesh on July 1, 2026, marking its complete advance across the hill State six days later than the normal onset date of June 25.