Pilgrims embarking on the Amarnath Yatra this year will not have access to helicopter services due to security concerns stemming from the Pahalgam attack. The Jammu and Kashmir government has implemented a ‘No Flying Zone’ across the Amarnath Yatra routes from July 1 to August 10. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is in Srinagar to oversee the security preparations for the Yatra, which begins on July 3. This marks a first in the history of helicopter services for the Amarnath Yatra, with pilgrims unable to use them to reach the Holy Cave via the Pahalgam or Baltal routes. The Home Department’s directive, under the Lieutenant Governor, bans all aviation platforms, including drones, UAVs, and balloons. Exceptions exist for medical evacuations, disaster management, and security surveillance, all governed by detailed SOPs.
Union Home Secretary Mohan chaired a review meeting at the Jammu and Kashmir Police headquarters in Srinagar, attended by key officials like JK Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and senior security agency representatives. The meeting addressed the current security environment in Jammu and Kashmir and finalized the logistical arrangements needed for a safe and peaceful Yatra. The pilgrimage, spanning 52 days, is scheduled to end on August 9. Pilgrims have the option of the Pahalgam route, taking two to three days, or the shorter Baltal route, allowing for same-day darshan.
To bolster security, the authorities are deploying a comprehensive, multi-layered security framework involving the Army, CAPFs, and JK Police. This includes a Face Recognition System (FRS), RFID tracking for pilgrims, real-time weather alerts, emergency evacuation procedures, and dedicated health camps to safeguard the participants.