J-K govt reviews arrangements for Haj pilgrims' return

Srinagar, Sept 22: With the first batch of Haj pilgrims scheduled to return from Saudi Arabia next week, state government on Tuesday reviewed various arrangements to ensure their hassle-free arrival and subsequent smooth journey to their native places in Jammu and Kashmir.

Minister for Haj and Auqaf Abdul Rehman Veeri chaired the meeting convened here to take stock of arrangements put in place by the state Hajj Committee and various state and central departments for return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia after the annual pilgrimage, an official spokesperson said.

The meeting discussed issues pertaining to arrival of Haj flights, reception, arrival timing, transfer of luggage including holy water 'Zum Zum', deployment of volunteers, vehicle passes to attendants and transportation arrangements for pilgrims from Jammu and Ladakh, the spokesperson said.

Over 6,600 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage and the first batch is scheduled to arrive here on September 30. The return Haj flights from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar would operate till October 10.

While two daily flights each carrying 340 pilgrims would operate between Saudi Arabia to Srinagar from September 30 to October 4, one flight would operate on a daily basis from October 5 till October 10, the spokesperson said.

Veeri directed the officials to make proper arrangements like accommodation, boarding and lodging, uninterrupted power supply, safe drinking water, sanitation in and around the Haj House and better transport facilities from Airport for all pilgrims including for those from Jammu and Ladakh regions.

PTI