Summary:
DEHRADUN: The state government on Sunday issued a clarification regarding reports doing the rounds on social media claiming that passengers would be charged for helicopters during rescue operations at the time of disaster The government, calling such reports ‘completely misleading’, stated that instructions have been issued to heli transport companies that no rent will be charged from people, both tourists and locals, trapped in any disaster. However, fixed amount of Rs 2,500 (along with GST) will be charged from travellers (who are not disaster affected) who are availing of the chopper services from Dharchula and Gunji in Pithoragarh district Keeping in mind the on-going rainy season, the government has also stationed one helicopter each in Garhwal and Kumaon region.The controversy erupted after a notification of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority was circulating on social media stated that passengers in Pithoragarh — hill district battered by flash floods recently — would be charged Rs 3,100 per person for availing of helicopter services during rescue operations at the time of disasters..