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Amarnath Yatra Readied as No‑Fly Zone With Security Drills and Zero‑Waste Drive

Officials say stepped-up drills and sanitation measures aim to reduce risk and environmental harm during the 57-day pilgrimage.

Overview

  • Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed Baltal base-camp arrangements and launched the ‘Shubham–Shivam’ zero-landfill cleanliness campaign on Sunday, June 28, urging civil society to support the Yatra.
  • The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board enforced Government Order No. 321–HOME declaring all Yatra routes a no-flying zone from July 1 until the pilgrimage ends, which means helicopter services will not be available to pilgrims.
  • Security agencies ran multi-agency mock drills across Ganderbal and Anantnag districts that tested mountain rescue, evacuation and counterattack responses, including simulated grenade and sniper scenarios to validate SOPs.
  • Officials say roads have been widened, communications and healthcare capacity boosted, and contingency plans for weather, flood and casualty management have been finalised for the July 3–August 28 pilgrimage.
  • With helicopter travel suspended, pilgrims will rely on foot, ponies or palkis and on-the-ground services, increasing the importance of local transport planning, crowd holding areas and sanitation teams for daily operations.