The District Magistrate of Tehri, Nikita Khandelwal, said that the helicopter made the landing after encountering sudden localised weather turbulence. “While landing, the rear end collided with the power line. However, the tourists have been sent to Dehradun while the helicopter flew back for maintenance,” she added.

During the flight over the Chamba–Arakot area, heading from Badrinath shrine to Dehradun, the chopper made a safe emergency landing in agricultural fields in the Satyo–Saklana area after developing a “technical issue”.

“As soon as information about the incident was received, teams from the local police, administration and the district disaster management department reached the spot, and safety and relief measures were initiated. Necessary security arrangements have been ensured in the area,” said the Tehri administration.

A detailed investigation into the cause of the incident is being conducted by the technical and aviation agencies.

“The helicopter was being operated by Captain Anupam Chaudhary, an experienced and highly skilled ex-Indian Air Force pilot…Necessary technical inspections and standard regulatory procedures are being undertaken in coordination with the operator and concerned aviation authorities,” the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority said in a statement.