With the annual Amarnath Yatra approaching, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has stepped up its security arrangements by declaring all pilgrimage routes as no-fly zones from July 1 through August 10, 2025. The decision, taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims, comes amid increased security concerns following recent disturbances in the region.
An official order issued by the Home Department confirmed that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has mandated strict security protocols for the duration of the Yatra. The circular emphasizes that aerial operations, including the use of drones, balloons, and other unmanned flying objects, will be entirely prohibited over the Pahalgam and Baltal routes — the two main axes leading to the holy shrine. These airspace restrictions are intended to safeguard the movement of pilgrims and prevent any potential aerial threats during the sacred journey.
The pilgrimage is officially scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9. In preparation, authorities have held extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and emergency response teams, to analyze the current security landscape. The administration has also reviewed logistical requirements and proposed new support systems to ensure the smooth execution of the event.
While the no-fly mandate is comprehensive, it includes exemptions for specific critical situations. The ban will not apply in cases involving emergency medical evacuations, disaster relief operations, or security surveillance. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for such exceptions is expected to be released shortly.
These precautions follow heightened security alerts triggered by recent incidents, including a terrorist attack in Pahalgam and ongoing tensions along the border. The state is making considerable efforts to reassure devotees and ensure that the Yatra proceeds without disruption or danger.
The administration’s commitment to a safe pilgrimage experience reflects its broader strategy of tightening public safety measures without compromising access to religious practices. The no-fly zone declaration underscores the seriousness with which the government is addressing current threats and its readiness to take preventive action.
As preparations continue for one of the largest religious gatherings in India, officials are urging the public to cooperate with security protocols and avoid any unauthorized aerial activity. These measures, they affirm, are solely in the interest of public safety and the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
