First batch of Haj pilgrims from J&K to leave on August 10

Srinagar: Nearly 6,500 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir would perform Haj this year and the first batch would leave for Saudi Arabia on August 10, officials said on Thursday.

"As many as 6445 pilgrims will perform Haj this year, for which the first batch in two flights will depart from Srinagar airport to the holy city of Madina in Saudi Arabia on August 10. This process will continue till August 19," an official spokesman said after a meeting here.

The meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Asgar Hassan Samoon, was convened to review the arrangements for Haj being made by the State Haj Committee here.

While reviewing the arrangements and facilities being provided to Haj pilgrims of the state, the meeting was informed that State Road Transport Corporation would provide 20 buses for transporting the pilgrims.

The Public Health Engineering department would install two dewatering pumps in Haj House, while as electricity department will also install generator sets to supplement the power supply, the spokesman said.

He said all arrangements with regard to maintaining regular supply of electricity, drinking water, sanitation besides establishment of medical camp along with services of medical officers and ambulance would also be kept available in Haj House Srinagar to facilitate the pilgrims.

The District Development Commissioners of all districts including Leh and Kargil through video conference informed that pilgrims training and vaccination programme has almost been completed in their respective districts, the spokesman said.

He said the Divisional Commissioner also directed the Drug Controller to install a temporary medical shop at Haj House and a medical counter at the Srinagar airport for the pilgrims.

The Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned to finalise all the arrangements well in time, the spokesman said.