Hajj 2015: First batch of pilgrims to return on September 30

SRINAGAR — With the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to return from Saudi Arabia on September 30 after performing the Hajj, the Minister for Hajj and Auqaf Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri today directed officials for ensuring adequate arrangements to facilitate their hassle-free arrival and subsequent smooth journey to their respective destinations.

“Adequate facilities should be ensured for the Hajj pilgrims to make their stay and travel back to the state hassle-free and comfortable,” Veeri said while chairing a high-level meeting here today. The meeting was convened to take stock of arrangements put in place by the State Haj Committee and various State and Central departments for the arrival of Hajjis from Saudi Arabia after performing the Hajj.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Commissioner, Secretary Revenue, Additional Director General Police, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, IGP Traffic, all the DCs of Kashmir division, Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Commissioner SMC, Chief Engineers of PDD, PHE and UEED, Director Health Services Kashmir, RTO Kashmir were among others who attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed threadbare various issues pertaining to the arrival of Haj flights, reception, arrival timings, transfer of luggage and Zam Zam, deployment of volunteers, vehicle passes to attendants and transportation arrangements for pilgrims of Jammu and Ladakh.

The meeting was told that all the necessary arrangements have already been put in place by the concerned agencies including the Haj Committee and the Airport Authority of India for ensuring the smooth return of Hajjis to their native places.

During the deliberations, the Haj and Auqaf minister directed the officers that adequate facilities including providing of accommodation, boarding and lodging, uninterrupted electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation in and around the Hajj House and better transport facilities from the Airport to Hajj House and to their destinations should be provided to all Hajj pilgrims at the Airport including for those from Jammu and Ladakh regions.

During the meeting, the Minister was briefed regarding the arrangements made by various agencies at Srinagar Airport and Hajj House Bemina for the smooth return of pilgrims. The meeting was informed that return Hajj flights from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar will operate from September 30 to October 10, 2015.

While two daily flights will operate between Saudi Arabia to Srinagar from September 30 to October 4, a single flight will operate on a daily basis from October 5 to October 10. The flight will operate directly from Saudi Arabia and each flight will carry 340 pilgrims, the meeting was informed. The meeting was informed that 6640 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are performing Hajj this year.

Receiving a point-by-point brief on arrangements for returning pilgrims, Veeri said all agencies responsible for the conduct of Hajj should work in close coordination to render the best services to the pilgrims. “The officers involved in the process of Haj arrangements should also monitor the facilitation of pilgrims during security and luggage checking so that they do not face any difficulty“, Veeri instructed.

Matters pertaining to the transportation of Hajjis from Srinagar to Jammu and from Srinagar to Ladakh besides the arrangements made for their boarding and lodging at Hajj House Bemina were also discussed in detail in the meeting.

The Haj Minister tasked the respective Deputy Commissioners and IGP Traffic for hassle-free transportation of pilgrims to Haj House at Bemina and towards their respective destinations.