No Helicopter Services in Amarnath Jatra This Year

Katra: Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to start from July 3. If you are going this year, beware the helicopter services will not be available. These safety guidelines will be applicable from July 1 to August 10.

Two routes intended for Amarnath Yatra have been declared ‘no flying zones’. The two routes for the yatra are Pahalgam (46 km) and Baltal (14 km). From July 1, no drones, planes, helicopters, etc. will be allowed to fly on these two routes. If any flying vehicle or object is seen on the route, the security forces have been instructed to shoot it down. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken this decision considering the safety of the passengers.

The Amarnath Yatra starts from the Pahalgam route and pilgrims travel for 48 km. If they go on the Baltal route, the pilgrims have to cover only 14 km. But the pilgrims are not willing to go as this route is very difficult.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF and Army have been informed about this decision. After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, extensive arrangements have been made for the safety of Amarnath pilgrims. The Amarnath Yatra will begin from July 3 and end on August 9.

However, regarding the decision to stop the helicopter service, Jammu Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “We want the Amarnath Yatra to take place properly. But the wrong message should not be sent to other countries by not getting permission for the helicopter service.”