3,300 Pilgrims expected to make the annual trip for Haj pilgrimage

The Telangana State Haj Committee on Thursday convened an all-department meeting to discuss the arrangements for the Haj Camp 2017, which begins on August 11.

Over 3,300 pilgrims are expected to make the annual trip to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage, which is considered as one of the five pillars of Islam. Deputy chief minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, who chaired the meeting of 26 government departments and agencies, said that Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao has issued specific instructions to ensure that the camp is run smoothly and all arrangements are in place for pilgrims.

The Telangana State Waqf Board and other agencies functioning from Haj House have been asked to make rooms in their possession available for pilgrims to stay. To prevent fire hazards, the fire department will soon conduct an



inspec tion of Haj House. Further, the department has been requested to provide one fire tender at Haj House and another at the Haj Terminal at the airport. 

Officials of Esra Hospital have agreed to provide an ambulance at the building and set up a temporary 10-bed in-patient and out-patient facility at the Haj House. Saudi Arabian Airlines, which will carry pilgrims to Jeddah, has been asked to provide for meals and accommodation to pilgrims in case flights are delayed for six hours or more. 

The city police will escort the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses ferrying pilgrims from Haj House to the Haj Terminal at the airport in Shamshabad. Further, they will provide security at Haj House. Parking for visitors will be provided at the Public Gardens.