Over 7,600 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will visit Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj pilgrimage for which the state government has made all arrangements.
“Arrangements with regard to Haj were finalised at a high level meeting of officers held under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Haj and Waqf Aijaz Ahmad Khan here,” an official spokesman said on Thursday.
As many as 7,630 pilgrims from the state would visit the holy shrine at Mecca this year, the spokesman said, adding that the first Haj flight will leave for Jeddah from Srinagar International Airport on October 20.
Two flights carrying over 400 pilgrims will take off from Srinagar every day, he said. The pilgrims planning to board the first flight will have to reach Bemina Haj House at 6 AM, while those booked for the other plane will report at 8.15 AM.
The first returning flight from Jeddah will reach here on December 3 and the process will continue till all the pilgrims return, the spokesman said.
The Minister asked the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar to designate a nodal officer for maintaining coordination and liaison with all the concerned departments so that the pilgrims do not confront any problem.
Health department was also asked to provide medical facilities at Bemina Haj House, Airport and the hotels where pilgrims will stay.
The Minister asked the State Haj Committee functionaries to maintain coordination with all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure transport facilities for the pilgrims coming from various parts of the state.
