Amarnath Yatra routes no-fly zone; no chopper service for pilgrims this year

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir govt Tuesday announced that the routes leading to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath in Ganderbal district would be no-fly zones from July 1 to Aug 10. Chopper services will also not be available for devotees this year. The annual pilgrimage is set to commence on July 3 and conclude on Aug 9.

In an order, the J&K home department said that the decision was based on recommendations from the Union home ministry.

Shri Amarnath shrine stands at 3,888m, 46km from the picturesque Pahalgam Valley in south Kashmir and 14km from Baltal in Sonamarg in north Kashmir. Flying over both Pahalgam and Baltal routes has been prohibited for aviation platforms and devices, including UAVs, drones and balloons. These restrictions, however, will not be applicable in cases of medical evacuation, disaster management or surveillance by security forces.

The home department order stated that various security measures are being taken to ensure a smooth and peaceful Amarnath Yatra this year, and all stakeholders have discussed the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory and proposed additional logistics provisions.

Confirming the unavailability of helicopter services for pilgrims during the Yatra this year, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board on its website stated that devotees planning to visit the shrine should reach there on foot or avail the services of ponies and palkis during the Yatra.

Meanwhile, Union home secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday chaired a review meeting for security preparedness during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Senior officials of J&K Police, the Army, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, BSF and other agencies participated in the meeting.