Air India crash: DNA match confirmed for 210 victims, 187 bodies returned to families

New Delhi: A week after the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed on Thursday that DNA samples of 210 victims had been successfully matched with their families. Of these, 187 bodies have been handed over to relatives.

Sharing the update on social media platform X, Patel stated:

"UPDATED UP TO: 19/06/2025, 8:30 a.m. NO. OF DNA MATCH - 210; NO. OF RELATIVES CONTACTED - 210; NO. OF MORTAL RELEASED - 187. Remaining mortal remains will be handed over soon."

The June 12 tragedy, which claimed over 270 lives, has prompted swift administrative and policy responses, particularly in the aviation sector.

New safety rules

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released a draft set of rules titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025. Issued on 18 June, the draft will come into force once published in the Official Gazette.

The proposed rules empower authorities to take action against buildings, structures, or trees that breach height restrictions near aerodromes and pose a potential risk to aircraft.

“Where any notification has been issued by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 18 of the Act and the officer-in-charge of the concerned aerodrome has reason to believe that any building or tree exists in violation… he shall serve a copy of the notification on the owner of the building or tree,” the draft rule states.

According to the provisions, if a structure is found to be in breach of the prescribed height limits:

-A formal notice will be issued to the owner.

-The owner must respond within 60 days, providing detailed documentation including structural dimensions and site plans.

-Failure to comply may lead to enforcement measures such as demolition or reduction in height.

-The officer-in-charge of the aerodrome is also authorised to conduct physical verification during daylight hours, with reasonable prior notice to the property owner. In the event of non-cooperation, the matter may be escalated based on available information.

“The officer-in-charge shall satisfy himself about the correctness of the details… and carry out physical verification… the owner shall be duty bound to extend full cooperation,” the draft stipulates.

-In cases of non-compliance, the officer must escalate the matter to the District Collector, who will then be responsible for ensuring that the necessary demolition or trimming is carried out. The enforcement mechanism will follow the same procedures used to remove unauthorised constructions.

The draft rules reflect a proactive stance by the government to avoid tragedies linked to obstructions in flight paths, a concern that has gained urgency in the wake of the AI-171 disaster.