The Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared the routes of the annual Amarnath Yatra a ‘No Flying Zone’ from July 1 to August 10, 2025, as part of enhanced security measures for the pilgrimage.
The order, issued by the J and K Home Department on the directives of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, prohibits the operation of all aviation platforms and devices, including drones, UAVs, and balloons, along the traditional Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes.
The Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3, 2025, attracts thousands of pilgrims annually to the holy cave shrine in the Himalayas.
The ‘No Flying Zone’ restriction aims to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage amid heightened security concerns.
The order follows discussions with stakeholders, who assessed the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory and proposed additional logistical measures.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also recommended declaring the entire yatra route a ‘No Flying Zone’ for the duration of the pilgrimage. However, exemptions will be permitted for medical evacuations, disaster management, and surveillance operations by security forces.
A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these exceptions will be issued separately, the order stated.