Is There No Helicopter Service for Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims?

Synopsis

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced that there will be no helicopter services for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims this year, urging them to reach the sacred shrine on foot or via ponies and palkis. This decision comes amid heightened security measures in the region, including the declaration of 'No Fly Zones' for the upcoming Yatra.

Key Takeaways

No helicopter service for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims this year.
Yatris must reach the shrine on foot or by pony/palqi.
All routes declared 'No Fly Zones' for security.
Exceptions for medical and security reasons will apply.
Amarnath Yatra is scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025.

Srinagar, June 18 (NationPress) In light of an announcement from the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) confirmed on Wednesday that this year’s Yatris will not have helicopter services available.

According to the information shared on their website, the SASB stated that as per the directive from the Lt Governor, Yatris must access the sacred cave shrine by foot or via Ponies and palkis (palanquins) from both the Pahalgam route in South Kashmir and the Baltal route in North Kashmir.

A security meeting led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan was held on Tuesday, attended by the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, GoC 15 Corps Prashant Srivastava, intelligence operatives from central/UT agencies, and senior officers from CAPFs.

Post-meeting, the J&K government classified all Amarnath Yatra routes as 'No Fly' zones from July 1 to August 10 to ensure comprehensive security for the upcoming Yatra.

An official order from the home department stated that the Lt Governor has issued stringent security protocols concerning aerial activities during the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, declaring all Yatra routes as 'No Flying Zones' from July 1 to August 10, 2025.

The order issued by the J&K home department emphasized that strict adherence to security measures is mandatory. It stated, “In light of the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025, various security measures are being implemented to ensure a smooth and peaceful Yatra. Discussions among stakeholders have addressed the current security situation in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, leading to additional logistical provisions. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also recommended that the entire route be declared a 'No Flying Zone' starting July 1 until August 10, 2025.”

“Therefore, to bolster security during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, all routes leading to the Yatra, including both Pahalgam and Baltal axes, will be designated as 'No Flying Zones'. This means that flying any aerial devices, including UAVs, drones, balloons, etc., is strictly prohibited from July 1 to August 10, 2025,” the order specifies.

Exemptions will be made for medical evacuations, disaster management, and surveillance by security forces, with a comprehensive SOP for such exceptions to be released later. This directive will remain in effect from July 1 to August 10.

Officials have assured that all necessary security arrangements are in place for the successful execution of the Amarnath Yatra.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has appealed to locals for their cooperation, emphasizing that the Amarnath Yatra belongs to the people.

Point of View

The decision to restrict helicopter services and declare 'No Fly Zones' during the Amarnath Yatra highlights the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all participants. This approach reflects a thorough assessment of the current security landscape and aims to facilitate a safe pilgrimage experience for devotees.