In a significant move to bolster security for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu & Kashmir government has designated the entire pilgrimage route as a ‘No Flying Zone’. This directive, issued by the Union Territory’s Home department, encompasses all routes, including both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes.
The ban applies to all aerial devices, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones, and balloons, and will be in effect from July 1st to August 10th. This decision follows an advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
However, certain exceptions will be made for medical evacuations, disaster management, and surveillance operations conducted by security forces. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these exceptions is expected to be released shortly.
The announcement coincides with a high-level security meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, convened to review the security arrangements for the pilgrimage. The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3rd and conclude on August 9th.
In light of the recent Pahalgam attack, additional security measures are being implemented to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Yatra. As part of these enhanced arrangements, 580 companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) are being deployed for the pilgrimage.
