Amarnath Yatra Routes Designated as No-Fly Zones Due to Security Risks

Safety Measures Implemented for Amarnath Yatra

In response to heightened safety concerns and the potential threat of drone attacks, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has officially designated the entire Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage route as a ‘No Flying Zone.’

The Union Territory's Home Department, acting on recommendations from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has prohibited all aerial devices, including drones, UAVs, and balloons, along both the longer Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route in the southern Kashmir Himalayas, according to officials.

This initiative is part of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at protecting pilgrims and support personnel from emerging threats, particularly the potential misuse of drone technology by militant groups. However, exceptions will be made for medical emergencies, disaster relief, and surveillance by security agencies.

The yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9, spanning 38 days, which is a reduction from last year's 52-day duration. Officials indicated that this shorter timeframe is intended to enhance security and improve logistical planning.

Enhanced Security Following Recent Attacks

The Amarnath Yatra draws hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees from across India and beyond, making it a frequent target for terrorist activities. Recently, security forces have expressed increasing concern over the use of drones for smuggling weapons or executing attacks, a tactic that has emerged in insurgency-affected regions.

In light of the tragic attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and a local resident, additional security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the yatra. Nearly 580 companies of central armed police forces (CAPF) will be stationed along the pilgrimage route, complemented by aerial surveillance, RFID tracking of pilgrims, and multiple layers of security.

With only two weeks remaining before the pilgrimage begins, authorities are exercising extreme caution. A police official remarked, “The no-flying order is a precautionary but essential measure, considering the nature of threats we currently face.”

The annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters and dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of India's most significant religious events and poses considerable challenges for the administration.