**Summary:**
Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2330, addressed to the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on August 4, 2025, inquired about the potential adverse impacts of unregulated helicopter operations on the fragile ecosystem and wildlife of the Garhwal Himalayas, particularly during the Char Dham Yatra season. The question also referenced concerns raised by environmentalists, scientists, and wildlife experts regarding potential violations of National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines by helicopter operators.
In response, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated that the regulation of helicopter services in the Garhwal Himalayas is the responsibility of the Uttarakhand State Government. The State Government has reported that they are in compliance with NGT norms based on the findings of a Wildlife Institute of India study regarding the effects of height and noise. Furthermore, helicopter services are restricted to daylight hours and favorable weather conditions to minimize noise impact on wildlife.
Key Entities Referenced
Gharwal Himalayas: A Himalayan range in Uttarakhand, India, known for its fragile ecosystem.
Char Dham Yatra: A pilgrimage circuit in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India.
National Green Tribunal (NGT): A statutory body in India that deals with environmental protection and conservation.
Uttarakhand: A state in northern India where the Garhwal Himalayas are located.
Wildlife Institute of India: An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, focused on wildlife research and training.
SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH: Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
COM. SELVARAJ V: A Member of Parliament who raised a question in the Lok Sabha.
SHRI SUBBARAYAN K: A Member of Parliament who raised a question in the Lok Sabha.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2330
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025
Impact of Chopper Operations on Gharwal Himalayas
2330. COM. SELVARAJ V:
SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) whether environmentalists and scientists have warned that unregulated chopper
operations could be silently hurting the fragile ecosystem of the Garhwal Himalayas,
especially during busy Char Dham yatra season, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the wildlife experts have opined that there is a need to re-assess the impact of
chopper operations on wildlife in the region as the current guidelines of National Green
Tribunal (NGT), are being violated by helicopter operators, if so, the details thereof;
and
(c) the details of the remedial measures proposed to be taken to save the ecosystem and the
wildlife in the region?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE
CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) to (c) Regulation of helicopter services on Garhwal Himalayas is undertaken by the
concerned State Government. As informed by the State of Uttarakhand, the
findings of study of Wildlife Institute of India regarding effect of height and
noise, in light of norms of the National Green Tribunal, necessary compliance is
done by them. Further, the State Government has also informed that no helicopter
services are operated during night and during unfavourable weather conditions,
thereby minimizing the impact of noise on the wildlife.
***