J&K Declares Amarnath Yatra Routes as 'No-Flying Zones' from July 1 to August 10

Srinagar, June 17 – In a move to bolster security for the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday declared the pilgrimage routes as ‘No-Flying Zones’. This directive, effective from July 1 to August 10, prohibits the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, balloons, and any flying objects along the yatra routes.

The decision, issued by the Home Department under the directive of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, applies to both the traditional Pahalgam route and the Baltal route used by thousands of pilgrims annually.

According to the official order, exemptions will be made for emergency medical evacuations, disaster management efforts, and surveillance operations by security forces. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for such exceptions will be issued separately.

The order stated that several enhanced security measures are being implemented to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence from July 3.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier advised that the entire pilgrimage corridor be designated a 'No-Flying Zone' to prevent any potential threats.

“In view of ensuring robust security during Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, all routes of the pilgrimage — including Pahalgam and Baltal — are hereby declared as ‘No-Flying Zones’ from July 1 to August 10,” the order read.

Security protocols have been significantly upgraded following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

The Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of devotees from across India each year, and authorities are working round the clock to ensure their safety during the high-altitude pilgrimage.