Due to security concerns following the Pahalgam attack, helicopter services will not be available for this year’s Amarnath Yatra. The Jammu and Kashmir government has designated the Amarnath Yatra routes as a ‘No Flying Zone’ from July 1 to August 10. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan visited Srinagar to oversee security arrangements for the pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on July 3. This marks the first time since helicopter services commenced for the Amarnath Yatra that pilgrims will be without aerial transport to the Holy Cave via either the Pahalgam or Baltal routes. The ban, issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department under the Lieutenant Governor, prohibits all aircraft, including drones and balloons, except for medical evacuations, disaster management, and security surveillance, which will follow detailed SOPs.
As part of the preparations, a review meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Mohan was held at the Jammu and Kashmir Police headquarters in Srinagar. Key officials such as JK Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and senior officers from various security agencies participated to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and finalize logistical plans. The pilgrimage, lasting 52 days, will conclude on August 9. Devotees will visit the cave shrine at 3,888 meters via either the traditional Pahalgam route (2-3 days) or the Baltal route (same-day return).
In response to recent security incidents, authorities are implementing a robust multi-layered security framework involving the Army, CAPFs, and JK Police. This includes a Face Recognition System (FRS), RFID tracking, real-time weather alerts, emergency evacuation protocols, and health camps to ensure pilgrim safety.