Hajj: Inadequate Arrangements 

The pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have started returning home after performing the Hajj. They had begun to leave from here for Hajj from May 9. Around 7008 pilgrims from J&K were to perform Hajj this year. Sadly, this year pilgrims from various places died in Saudi Arabia due to heatwave. They included pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir also.

A number of pilgrims from J&K have complained about inadequate arrangements and major deficiencies in their lodging and transportation facilities in Mecca. They said they faced a range of issues, including lack of basic facilities, poor cooling systems, insufficient transportation, inadequate crowd management, and poor ventilation. The concerned authorities must seriously take the problems faced by the pilgrims during Hajj.

These issues should be taken up with the concerned quarters so that the pilgrims in future do not face such problems. Otherwise it will become a routine thing and every year such problems and complaints would continue to emerge. There should be proper coordination among the concerned authorities from here to Saudi Arabia. And in case such problems arise, those are immediately taken up at higher level and their solutions found out in time.

The pilgrims should not be left to suffer and nobody listening to them. Authorities say they have been making all arrangements for their smooth pilgrimage. But they have to also see whether these arrangements are sufficient and adequate. Proper monitoring is also needed so that the pilgrims are not put to any hardship. Their problems must be addressed without any delay.

The shortcomings should be taken care of speedily and it should be ensured that such problems do not arise in future. This year the number of pilgrims was lesser than the alloted seats. Initially, there was an allocated Hajj quota of 9,500 for J&K. Later, 2,000 seats were also added making the total allotment to 11, 500. Since the number of applicants was lesser than the alloted seats, all the applicants were accommodated without the need for a draw of lots.

The rising costs are said to have resulted in a decline in the number of pilgrims. There is a need to work in coordination for the improvement of the Hajj related arrangements so that the pilgrims do not  face problems in future.