{
  "id": 17257639,
  "title": "Helicopter sorties were allowed despite orange alert and CMO advice to regulate tourists, says activist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/helicopter-sorties-were-allowed-despite-orange-alert-and-cmo-advice",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-30T16:57:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttarakhand/helicopter-sorties-were-allowed-despite-orange-alert-and-cmo-advice-to-regulate-tourists-says-activist/article71646191.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 30, 2026, a helicopter crash on the Badrinath-Dehradun route claimed the lives of six people, including the pilot, reigniting concerns about safety regulations in Uttarakhand. Activist Anoop Nautiyal expressed shock at the tragedy, citing a prior orange alert for heavy rainfall and snowfall in the region. The alert had been issued for five districts, including Chamoli, on October 30. The incident follows a series of five helicopter accidents in 40 days, including two fatal crashes, resulting in the loss of 13 lives during the Char Dham Yatra. Despite the warnings, helicopter flights reportedly continued, prompting questions about the authorization, enforcement, and safety measures surrounding these operations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation defended UCADA, stating that all safety norms were followed, and the weather was clear at the time of the crash. Pilgrims and flight operators acknowledged the inherent risks in high-altitude flights but emphasized the necessity of these services for the pilgrimage economy.",
  "summary": "Activist Anoop Nautiyal said the tragedy was particularly disturbing as weather warnings had been issued in advance. An orange alert (for heavy to very heavy rainfall and snowfall) had been issued for five districts, including Chamoli, for October 30.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}