Solukhumbu administration warns against to be taken if helicopter flights obstructed

SOLUKHUMBU, Jan 06:The District Administration Office of Solukhumbu has issued a warning that those who hinder helicopter flights in the district will face legal consequences.

Anoj Kumar Ghimire, the Chief District Officer, issued a public notice on Monday with this warning.

"In the context of information received through various media outlets that unauthorized persons have obstructed the movement (flight) of helicopters at various helipads in Solukhumbu district for the past few days, the serious attention of the District Administration Office, Solukhumbu has been drawn," the notice issued by Chief District Officer Ghimire stated.' Since public complaints have been received that obstructing helicopter flights operated in accordance with the rules has caused problems in disaster relief, patient rescue, tourism promotion, and other areas, all stakeholders are hereby informed that strict action will be taken against those who obstruct helicopter flights in accordance with the prevailing law.'

Helicopter companies have suspended operations in the Sagarmatha National Park area since January 1.  According to Chief District Officer Ghimire, the services have been disrupted due to the disruption in helicopter flights.

After a month-long negotiation, villagers and helicopter companies from Sagarmatha National Park and Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality have decided to cease flights for the time being.

Helicopter companies in this tourist destination area offered rescue, cargo transportation, mountain, and commercial flights. The corporations have now announced that they would no longer provide any of these services.

On Sunday, the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) released a press release announcing the suspension of flights.

The flights have been halted due to protests by residents of the National Park and Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality.