Hyderabad: A coordination meeting involving officials of 26 agencies who are stakeholders in the Haj pilgrimage 2017, was held at Haj House here on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali chaired the meeting.
Officials were informed about the various steps they need to take to ensure a smooth passage for the Haj pilgrims from the State. Around 3,600 persons from the State have been selected for the pilgrimage through ‘Qurrah’ (draw of lots) and reservation. Some more are likely to get an opportunity when the left-over seats from other States are redistributed.
“There is also a hope that with the 350 seats reserved under President of India, Prime Minister's and Vice President quota are allotted as per their discretion, some will be added to the state share,” said Professor S.A. Shukoor, Special Officer, Telangana State Haj Committee.
The pilgrims will start leaving for Saudi Arabia on August 13 in batches until August 22 by special flights. The Central Haj Committee has selected Saudi Airlines to ferry the passengers from the country.
During the meeting, the State Haj committee asked police to provide escort to every TSRTC bus carrying pilgrims from the Haj House Nampally to RGI Airport at Shamshabad.
“The immigration and customs department will set up counters at Haj House where screening of baggage and documents will be done so that the pilgrims could directly board the aircraft,” said Mr Shukoor.
A total of 8,040 passengers including around 4,000 from AP and Karnataka will fly from the city airport. Officials from GHMC, HMWS&SB, CISF, TSRTC, customs, immigration, Hyderabad and Cyberabad police and minority welfare department attended the meet.
