J&K declares all Amarnath Yatra routes as ‘no flying zone’ from July 1 to Aug 10

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared all routes of the Amarnath Yatra as ‘no flying zones’ from July 1 to August 10, authorities said.

The Shri Amarnathji Yatra, set to commence on July 3, will witness heightened security arrangements this year, including the highest-ever deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel for the 38-day pilgrimage.

The enhanced security comes in the wake of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident. Each year, thousands of devotees undertake the arduous journey to pay obeisance at the cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas.

The order which declared all Amarnath Yatra routes as ‘no flying zone’ was issued by the Home Department on June 16. The order is aimed at ensuring the safe and peaceful conduct of the Yatra.

According to the government order, all aviation platforms, including drones, UAVs, and balloons, will be strictly prohibited along both the Pahalgam and Baltal axis during the Yatra period. The decision was taken following discussions with various stakeholders and based on an advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“With a view to ensuring strengthened security during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2025, all the routes of Shri Amarnathji Yatra are hereby declared as ‘no flying zone,’ including both Pahalgam axis & Baltal axis and thus, flying of any kind of aviation platforms and devices including UAVs, drones, balloons, etc. is prohibited from July 1 to August 10,” the order issued by principal secretary to the government, Chandraker Bharti, said.

The order clarifies that exceptions will be made only for medical evacuations, disaster management, and security surveillance by authorized forces. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for such cases will be issued separately, it added.

“This step has been taken to strengthen security arrangements during the Yatra and to address the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory,” the order stated.