Srinagar: All arrangements have been finalised to receive first flight, carrying Hajj pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir from Saudi Arabia on September 7, officials said here today. As many as 8,050 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir had performed Hajj this year, they said. Return Hajj flights from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar will operate from September 7 to September 15, 2017, they said, adding that two daily flights will operate from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar at 1615 hrs & 1735 hrs and each will carry 420 pilgrims. They said that the attendants of Hajjis would be issued multi color passes for entering the Srinagar International airport. Only one vehicle per Haji would allowed to enter the Airport premises from Haiderpora, with one driver and one relative. All routes leading to the airport will be properly plugged at Gogo and Humhama Crossings. Additional 80 home-guards will be deployed at the airport and 20 at Hajj House. Kehwah Transport Company will deploy ten vehicles at Hajj house. J&K Bank limited will provide refreshment to Hajjis the at airport besides installing currency exchange counter on the premises. They said on September 1, a high-level meeting under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, 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 Baseer Ahmad Khan had directed officers concerned to ensure uninterrupted power supply at Hajj House, medical facilities, fire and emergency services. Besides, sanitation in and around Hajj House, regulation of traffic, security and Public Address System would be provided by the Department of Information. He has further directed the officials to ensure adequate arrangements for Hajj Pilgrims and facilitate their hassle-free arrival along with subsequent smooth journey to their respective destinations.
