Anantnag Police launched Project Hawk Eye on 25 June 2026 to provide technology-driven surveillance for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
Security architecture
- Implementing agency: Anantnag Police.
- Drones: Five drone units deployed for real-time aerial surveillance along the pilgrimage route.
- CCTV & FRS: 416 high-resolution CCTV cameras and a Facial Recognition System (FRS) installed at critical locations for continuous monitoring.
- Machan Morchas: 28 elevated observation posts positioned at vulnerable and sensitive points for ground-level observation.
- Sniper teams: 22 specially trained sniper teams deployed at designated points for response preparedness.
Operational details
- Yatra period: 3 July to 28 August 2026.
- No‑fly zone: Entire pilgrimage route from Jammu to the Amarnath cave shrine declared a no‑fly zone by the government.
- Mock drills: Preparedness exercises conducted across Jammu & Kashmir, including Bandipora and Ganderbal, on 25 June 2026.
- Verification system: PEHCHAAN — a QR-based traveller verification initiative introduced for the 2026 Yatra.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Drone Rules, 2021: Regulate civilian drone operations and authorisations in India (DGCA / Ministry of Civil Aviation framework).
- Geography: Amarnath cave shrine is in Anantnag district; the traditional pilgrim route links Jammu with the Kashmir Valley high‑altitude track.