With the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to return from Saudi Arabia on September 07 after performing Hajj, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan today convened a high level meeting to review the arrangements being made for providing required facilities to Hajjis.Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, IG Traffic, DIG Central, RTO Kashmir, Engineers of PHE, PDD & UEED, Joint Commissioner SMC, Chief Medical Officer, Joint Director Information Department, Custom Officer, Manager Airport Authority, Representatives of J&K Bank Ltd, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Director Planning and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
The meeting was informed that 8050 Pilgrims from the Valley had performed Hajj this year.Return Hajj flights from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar will operate from September 07 to September 15, 2017. Two daily flights will operate from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar at 4:15 pm & 5:35 pm and each flight will carry 420 pilgrims.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.Divisional Commissioner directed concerned officers to ensure un-interrupted power supply at Hajj House, medical facilities, fire and emergency services, sanitation in and around Hajj House, regulation of traffic, security, Public Address System would be provided by the Department of Information.Khan said that the attendants of Hajjis would be issued multi color passes for entering the airport. Only one vehicle is allowed to enter the Airport premises from Haiderpora, in which one driver and one relative accompany the Hajj pilgrim at departure point. All routes leading to Airport will be properly plugged at Gogo and Humhama Crossings. Additional 80 Home-guards will be deployed at Airport and 20 at Hajj House. Kehwah Transport Company will deploy ten vehicles at Hajj house. J&K Bank limited provide refreshment to Hajjis at airport besides install currency exchange counter in the premises.Divisional Commissioner further directed the officials for ensuring adequate arrangements for Hajj Pilgrims and facilitate their hassle-free arrival besides subsequent smooth journey to their respective destinations.