Dehradun: The Heli-services will be available for the pilgrims who want to go to the Gangotri Dham. Currently, the Heli-service is neither available for Gangotri Dham nor Yamunotri Dham. Both the Dhams- Gangotri and Yamunotri- are in the state’s hill district Uttarkashi.
Reports reaching from Gangotri said that a helipad is under construction about one-and-a-half kilometres away from the Dham on the premises of the old parking space. There are three cedar trees on the premises where the helipad is constructed. Sources said permission has been sought from the environment and forest ministry for the felling of the three trees.
Pilgrims face problems due to the absence of Heli-services for Gangotri Dham
Pilgrims, who go to offer their prayers at Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham, face problems because of the absence of Heli-services. Currently, choppers carrying Gangotri-bound VIPs and pilgrims land at either the Harshil helipad or the Jahla helipad. These two helipads are located about 25 to 30 km away from the Gangotri Dham. Thus, the Yatra is halted on the highways during the movement of VIPs. The pilgrims face problems in such a situation.
Chopper carrying either VIPs or pilgrims on its way to Yamunotri Dham currently land at Kharsali helipad
Similarly, the choppers, carrying either the VIPs or pilgrims on its way to Yamunotri Dham, land at Kharsali helipad. From Kharsali, there is a track route of about 6km. There is a possibility of the availability of Heli-service for both Dham very soon.
A site has been identified for the construction of a helipad near Yamunotri Dham
A site has been identified for the construction of a helipad near Garun Ganga in Yamunotri Dham. The levelling work has also been completed. Reports reaching from Gangotri Dham said the construction work of the helipad in this Dham is almost in its final stage. The construction cost of this helipad is estimated to be about 35 Rs 35 lakhs. Assistant engineer of the PWD department Anil Kumar, who is involved in the construction of a helipad near Gangotri Dham, told reporters that the helipad will be ready in the upcoming Yatra season 2025.
In case of the availability of a proper budget, other facilities will also be extended to the pilgrims.
