Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 22: With the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to return from Saudi Arabia on September 30 after performing Hajj, the Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, 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 Hajj 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 present at the meeting.
The meeting was told that all the necessary arrangements have already been put in place by the concerned agencies including Hajj Committee and Airport Authority of India for ensuring smooth return of Hajjis to their native places.
During the deliberations, the Hajj 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 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.
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, one flight will operate on a daily basis from October 5 till October 10. The flights will operate directly from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia and each flight will carry 340 pilgrims.
The meeting was informed that 6640 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are performing Hajj this year.
The Hajj Minister tasked the respective Deputy Commiss-ioners and IGP Traffic for hassle-free transportation of pilgrims to Hajj House at Bemina and towards their respective destinations.
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