1.7 lakh Indians to perform Haj this year

Dubai, Sep 17 (PTI) About 1.7 lakh Indian Haj pilgrims will arrive in Saudi Arabia this year and elaborate arrangements have been put in place to receive them. The Consulate General of India has been making efforts to improve the services provided to Indian pilgrims. In all, 479 buildings have been hired to accommodate 125,000 pilgrims coming through the Haj Committee of India. About 45,000 pilgrims will arrive through private tour operators. Chairperson of Haj Committee Mohsina Kidwai yesterday winded up a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia to review preparations for this year's Haj season. Kidwai visited Mecca on Friday and inspected buildings to check readiness and other logistics. She held discussions with Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai and other officials on various aspects of Haj preparations. In Medina, she evaluated the measures put in place for the welfare of Indian pilgrims. While expressing satisfaction over the arrangements, she instructed all concerned officials to serve pilgrims sincerely and dedicatedly. She said that no stone should be left unturned for the service and welfare of Indian Hajis. The first Air India flight carrying Indian pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in Medina from Kolkata today, while another flight from Ranchi will land at Jeddah in the evening. PTI