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Hajis to take bus from Mina to Arafat
As part of enhanced safety and security measures provided to Haj pilgrims from India, the Central Haj Committee has decided to allow only 35,000 pilgrims to board train from Mina (Makkah) to Mount Arafat.
Ensuring safe pilgrimage
- In the stampede that took place in 2015, about 15 Hajis from the country were amongst the dead, including one woman from Telangana.
- Avoiding overcrowding, Saudi govt to divert traffic through other modes of transport
Hyderabad: As part of enhanced safety and security measures provided to Haj pilgrims from India, the Central Haj Committee has decided to allow only 35,000 pilgrims to board train from Mina (Makkah) to Mount Arafat. About 15,000 Hajis from both the Telugu states are likely to avail of the provision, while the remaining 35,000 would be travelling in designated buses.
As per the recommendations of Saudi Arabian government, which has identified loopholes from last year’s disaster, the Central Haj Committee is taking all the necessary steps towards making the pilgrimage safe for the Hajis under their supervision. Last year, a total of 1.36 lakh pilgrims took pilgrimage to Makkah from the country. While one lakh performed pilgrimage under government sponsored subsidy, the remaining availed of services from private tour operators.
In the stampede that took place in 2015, about 15 Hajis from the country were amongst the dead, including one woman from Telangana. “The Saudi government is taking secure measures by avoiding crowding of railway station at Mina by diverting traffic of Hajis through other modes of road transportation. Hence, only a quarter of the pilgrims will be able to avail of the train service,” informed Prof S A Shukoor, Special Officer, Telangana Haj Committee.
SIMs to be provided upon landing at KSA According to the official, the Central Haj Committee would give Saudi SIM cards to Hajis only after they land. Due to heightened security measures by Saudi Arabia, which recently faced terrorist attacks in Madina, the Saudi government is ensuring that only genuine Hajis benefit from the SIM card facility.
“The SIM cards will be handed over to Hajis after taking their thumb impression upon arrival,” the official said. Both Telangana and AP Haj Committees which signed a MoU would be holding the Haj camp at Haj House from August 18. Similar to the previous year, the Telangana Haj Committee would be providing services to pilgrims of Telangana, AP and few districts from neighbouring States of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
A meeting in this regard would be held on August 4, where representatives of 26 government departments would be present. Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali and other senior officers of Minority Welfare Department of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are likely to attend the meeting.
By Md Nizamuddin
