Lifestyle
Amarnath Yatra 2025: No-Fly Zone Set, Security Tightened for Pilgrimage
Srinagar, India, June 17, 2025 – The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and Indian security forces have declared the Amarnath Yatra 2025 route a no-fly zone, rolling out strict safety measures for the 38-day pilgrimage starting July 3. The journey to the sacred Himalayan cave shrine is set to be safer but more controlled. Here’s what you need to know.
New Safety Rules
The measures are firm:
- No civilian helicopters or drones can fly over the yatra routes, aiming to prevent terror threats.
- Indian Air Force drones will watch the paths day and night, backed by CCTV and facial recognition systems.
- Over 42,000 troops, including CRPF and BSF, will guard the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
The focus is on pilgrim safety.
The Two Paths
Pilgrims choose between:
- Baltal, a steep 14km trek that takes one day, starting from a high-altitude base camp.
- Pahalgam, a longer 48km route over three to four days, offering a traditional journey through scenic valleys.
- A pilgrim said, “Baltal’s quick, but Pahalgam feels closer to Lord Shiva.”
Both paths lead to the holy cave.
Why Such Tight Security
The reasons are clear:
- A terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, killed 26 people, raising fears of new plots.
- Over half a million devotees are expected, up from 3.5 lakh in 2024, straining logistics.
- Tensions since Article 370’s revocation in 2019 demand extra caution.
Safety is the top priority.
What Pilgrims Must Do
Preparation is key:
- Register online via the SASB website or at 540 bank branches, with no on-site bookings allowed.
- Get a Compulsory Health Certificate after April 8, 2025, including an oxygen level test, to prove fitness for the 3,888-meter altitude.
- Carry RFID cards, issued in Jammu or Kashmir, and avoid banned items like plastics or batteries.
Rules ensure a smooth journey.
New Support for Pilgrims
Amenities are upgraded:
- Ambulances with real-time health monitoring will be stationed at base camps and along routes.
- 5G networks will keep pilgrims connected, aiding emergencies and family updates.
- Community kitchens now offer fresh meals, including locally grown vegetables.
The yatra is more comfortable.
Rising Tensions
Not all are happy:
- Kashmiri traders say their goods face delays while pilgrim convoys get priority, sparking protests.
- Pakistan pilgrims were denied visas, despite a 2021 ceasefire, raising diplomatic questions.
- An X post read, “Security’s tight, but locals need fair treatment too.”
The yatra faces local friction.
Virtual Worship Option
For those who can’t travel:
- A 4K livestream of the holy cave’s aarti will be available online, reaching elderly and overseas devotees.
- The SASB website will offer digital darshan, bringing the shrine’s blessings to homes.
- Virtual access keeps the faith alive.
The pilgrimage adapts to modern times.
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