Srinagar, Aug 18: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, today convened a meeting to review the arrangements being made for pilgrims of the state who are scheduled to return from Saudi Arabia beginning August 28 after performing the annual pilgrimage.
The meeting was informed that five flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah will reach Srinagar Airport on August 28. From August 29 to September 07, four flights carrying the pilgrims will land at the airport from Saudi Arabia, an official press release informed.
It said the meeting discussed various issues relating to arrival of Hajj flights, reception, arrival timings, airlifting of luggage and holy water (Aab-e-Zam Zam), deployment of Home Guards volunteers, vehicle passes to attendants and transport arrangements for pilgrims.
While reviewing the arrangements and facilities being provided to the pilgrims of the Valley, the Divisional Commissioner directed the PDD to install gensets to supplement the power supply to the Hajj House Bemina.
He directed the concerned officers to put all arrangements with regard to maintaining regular supply of drinking water, sanitation besides establishment of medical camp along with services of medical officers and ambulance at the Hajj House Srinagar and airport 24×7 to facilitate the pilgrims. SRTC will provide adequate number of buses for transportation of the pilgrims.
Khan said that the attendants of the pilgrims would be issued multi-colour passes for entering the airport. Only one vehicle would be allowed to enter the airport premises from Humhama, in which one driver and one relative will accompany the pilgrim at departure point.
He directed officials for ensuring adequate arrangements for Hajj pilgrims and facilitate their hassle-free arrival besides subsequent smooth journey to their respective destinations.
He asked DDC Budgam to visit the airport premises for the finalization of necessary arrival arrangements and the deployment of magistracy en-route to the airport.
Meanwhile, according to the Executive Officer, State Hajj Committee, the relatives who wish to receive their pilgrims at the airport can collect vehicle passes from their concerned DC Offices two days before the date of flight arrival.
Those belonging to Srinagar district have been asked to collect the passes from Hajj House Bemina.
The passes can be obtained against xerox copies of pilgrim identity cards containing their cover numbers.
