CM lays foundation stone of new Haj Manzil at Dwarka

New Delhi, Jul 8 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today laid foundation stone for a new Haj Manzil at Dwarka.

The new building, being constructed in proximity of International Airport and proposed Metro Station and Dwarka ISBT, would prove more convenient to the Hajis coming from different parts of the country to Delhi as their transit stay towards their pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Delhi traditionally has been biggest congregation and embarkation point for the Haj Yatris from Northern India. More than 20,000 Yatris are coming to Delhi for this purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Dikshit said her government is committed to provide all possible amenities to Haj Yatris during their stay in the Capital-city.

''The present Haj Manzil located at Asaf Ali Road is inadequate to accommodate large number of *Yatris* coming to Delhi. The government has to make tenting arrangements for boarding and lodging for about a month, which is not as comfortable as, would be in the new spacious Haj Manzil,'' Ms Dikshit said.

''Considering the inadequacy of the space a need for new building for the Haj *Yatris* has been felt for sometime. The Government of Delhi, therefore, decided to have a new building for the benefit of Haj Yatris and a new 5000 sq meters plot has been acquired from DDA at the cost of Rs 95 lakh at Sector 22, Dwarka, New Delhi,''she said.

The building will cost about 25 to 30 crore and will be completed in about 18 months.

A modern Haj building will come up where all the facilities will be available, which would include a mosque, Vaju Khana, computer Centre, bank extension counter, canteen facility, visitors' lounge, conference room, training hall, dining hall, Centre announcement System and CCTV connection.

The Six-storeyed new Haj Manzil would have underground two levels parking apart from four-storeyed complex for all other facilities including accommodation. The modern building will have airlines offices in the building itself and all the Haj Yatris will be able to go directly to the airport and catch flights. All formalities will be completed at the Haj Manzil itself.

Ms Dikshit said the Delhi Haj Committee under her government has been making boarding and lodging arrangements for the Hajis at Haj Manzil.

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