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 Haj 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.The Meeting discussed threadbare various issues relating to arrival of Haj 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 gen-sets to supplement the power supply to the Haj 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 Haj House Srinagar and airport 24x7 to facilitate the pilgrims.
SRTC will provide adequate number of buses for transportation of the pilgrims.Khan said that the attendants of Hajis 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 Haj 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. DIG SRK, V K Birdi, District Development Commissioner Srinagar Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, District Development Commissioner Budgam Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, RTO Kashmir, Chief Engineer PHE, GM JKSRTC, SSP Traffic, Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services, Superintending Engineers of PHE, PDD, Joint Commissioner SMC, Chief Medical Officer, Joint Director Information Department, Custom Officer, Manager Airport Authority, Representatives of J&K Bank Ltd, Assistant Commissioner, and other concerned attended the meeting, whereas other DDCs participated in the meeting through video conferencing.