Srinagar, Jul 15: The first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir Union territory will return on Wednesday 18 July.
Officials informed that the batch will be received at the Srinagar international airport by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and other senior officials from police and civil administration.
“We will prepare the facilitation of rousing welcome to the J&K bound Hajis (Hajj Pilgrims) upon their return from Saudi Arabia after the culmination of annual pilgrimage, 2023. Only vehicles with passes shall be allowed to enter the Airport premises to receive pilgrims,” the officials said.
They said that 12000 Pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh performed Hajj this year. “Return Hajj flights from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar will operate from July 18th to August 02, 2023,”
They said that a total of 38 flights shall fly Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to here, with two flights to operate on the first three days and afterwards three flights will operate till the return of all pilgrims.
Last week the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri convened a high level meeting to review the arrangements being made for providing required facilities to Hajjis.
The meeting had discussed threadbare various issues relating to arrival of Hajj Flights, reception, arrival timings, airlifting of luggage and Aab-e-Zam Zam, deployment of Home Guards volunteers, parking facilities, vehicle passes to attendants and transport arrangements for pilgrims.
The Div Com had directed the CEO Hajj Committee to ensure color coded passes for attendants of pilgrims entering the airport.
He had also directed the concerned Officers for setting up medical facilities, deployment of fire tenders with crew, regulation of traffic at airport, besides un-interrupted drinking water and power supply at Hajj House and proper sanitation in and around Hajj House etc.
The Div Com also had directed the S. E Customs to ensure deployment of enough manpower at the airport for mandatory screening.
He had further directed the officials to ensure adequate arrangements for Hajj Pilgrims and facilitate their hassle-free arrival besides subsequent smooth journey to their respective destinations.
The Div Com had also directed J&KRTC authorities to provide an adequate number of buses for transportation of the pilgrims.
It is to mention here that for the first time in ten years, the Haj pilgrims were landed directly in Jeddah.
A total of 14271 applications were received for Hajj-2023.
Srinagar International Airport authorities said that a separate area has been earmarked at the airport for taking the pilgrims from aircraft to arrival entry. They said that special arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and comfortable return for the pilgrims.
