Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has declared the pilgrimage routes of the annual Amarnath Yatra as ‘No-Fly Zones’ starting July 1.
The significant move aims at strengthening security for thousands of pilgrims expected to undertake the sacred journey this year.
The directive, issued by the Home Department on the instructions of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, prohibits the flying of any aerial objects, including drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and other aviation devices over both the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route. The restriction will remain in place until August 10.
The order follows advice from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which recommended enhanced aerial restrictions as part of comprehensive security measures for the 2025 Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3.
“With a view to ensure strengthened security during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2025, all the routes of Shri Amarnathji Yatra are hereby declared as ‘No Flying Zones,’ including both the Pahalgam axis and the Baltal axis,” the Home Department said.
Exceptions for Emergencies and Security Forces
The ban includes exceptions for essential services such as medical evacuation, disaster management, and surveillance operations conducted by security forces.
Officials stated that a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing these exceptions will be issued shortly to avoid disruption in emergency or operational response.
The new restrictions form part of a broader security blueprint that has been prepared in coordination with multiple stakeholders, including security and intelligence agencies. Authorities have assessed the prevailing threat landscape in Jammu and Kashmir and implemented additional measures accordingly.
“All stakeholders have discussed the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and have proposed additional logistics provisions,” the order said.
This year’s security arrangements have been significantly bolstered in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead. The incident has led to increased vigilance and an intensified security presence along the pilgrimage routes.
The Amarnath Yatra is one of India’s most revered Hindu pilgrimages, drawing thousands of devotees annually to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayas. Pilgrims undertake the challenging trek through mountainous terrain amid unpredictable weather and rugged conditions.
Officials have urged the public, including operators of drones and aerial devices, to adhere strictly to the no-fly order.
