by Jahangir Sofi
SRINAGAR: Preparations are in full swing for a warm send-off to 7008 pilgrims on Hajj 2024. The first flight is scheduled to depart from Srinagar ‘International’ Airport on May 9, 2024.
Dr Shujhat Quershi, the executive officer (EO) of the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee told Kashmir Life that comprehensive arrangements have been made to facilitate the pilgrims. He said that the initial batch will comprise 320 pilgrims.
Sharing details about the number of pilgrims, he said among the pilgrims, 6800 are going through Srinagar embarkation and over 500 through Delhi embarkation. Besides, 350 pilgrims from Ladakh will leave through embarkation from Srinagar airport for their pilgrimage.
Speaking about the female pilgrims travelling without a Mehram, Dr Quershi informed that this year, 37 such women will be undertaking the holy pilgrimage, with four departing from Delhi and the rest embarking from Srinagar.
Elaborating on the preparations, he said that all necessary arrangements have been made for the pilgrims’ convenience. From boarding passes to customs clearance, all formalities will be completed seamlessly at the Hajj house, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the pilgrims and their families.
Dr Quershi said that meticulous planning across various departments, including health, security, and emergency services, have been made to ensure the pilgrims’ safety and comfort.
“Training sessions have also been conducted to equip pilgrims with the necessary information and guidance for their pilgrimage”, he said.
He said that this year, the pilgrimage will commence with a visit to Madina, with all pilgrims accommodated in Markaziya. “Significant improvements have been made in Mina, with tents now placed in zones 2, 3, and 4, enhancing the overall experience for the pilgrims”, he said.
Qureshi said that pilgrims have been advised to report to the Hajj House five hours prior to their flight schedule, with arrangements made for those travelling from distant areas who have to report a day before at Hajj house in Srinagar.
Earlier last week, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, chaired a meeting to review the Haj arrangements. Various directives were issued to ensure the smooth processing of pilgrims, including the deputation of adequate staff, installation of necessary machinery, and provision of transportation services.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner, of Kashmir, directed the Director of the Airport Authority to deputation of adequate staff and installation of machinery, including X-ray machines at the Hajj House, besides providing other facilities for the pilgrims at the Airport. Besides, he also directed SSP Security to issue entry passes for Hajj House while the General Manager of SRTC was asked to provide SRTC vehicles for the transportation of pilgrims from Hajj House Bemina to the Airport. Similarly, the Customs and Emigration Department was directed to facilitate pilgrims through Emigration clearance.
During the meeting, it was informed that except for the Emigration clearance of Haj pilgrims, all other formalities shall be completed at the Hajj House in Bemina.
