Dumka: The helicopter service introduced during the Shravani Mela to offer devotees and tourists an aerial tour of Deoghar was temporarily suspended from Thursday evening after a technical glitch was detected at the Hathgarh helipad.The suspension left devotees and tourists uncertain about when the service would resume. Officials were considering shifting operations to an alternative location, but no decision had been taken by late Thursday evening.After the technical problem came to light, the civil aviation department in Ranchi contacted the district administration and asked it to identify another suitable site for operating the service. Officials are now exploring possible locations in and around Deoghar from where the aerial tour can resume safely after the necessary clearances.Around 100 devotees and tourists had been availing themselves of the aerial tour every day during the Shravani Mela. The fare was fixed at Rs 2,850 per person.The service was launched for the general public and tourists on Aug 4 following an initiative by chief minister Hemant Soren. The Shravani Mela began on July 30.Civil aviation director Captain S P Sinha said, “We have received information about a technical problem with the helicopter service. The district administration has been informed and asked to make an alternative arrangement. The service will be resumed as soon as an alternative arrangement is made.”The administration is examining possible locations to ensure that the aerial tour resumes during the fair without compromising operational safety standards.
