JEDDAH – Indian Deputy Consul General and Haj Consul Mohammed Shahid Alam said that the flawless and elaborate security arrangements have contributed tremendously to making the 2016 Haj operation a resounding success. "It was really wonderful to see the security officials leaving a soothing human touch on pilgrims. They were seen sprinkling cool water on pilgrims under scorching sun, and talking them in a calm and composed manner," he told Saudi Gazette while sharing his first experience as the Haj consul. The Saudi government, especially the Ministry of Haj and the security authorities, deserve accolades for the hassle-free Haj this year, Alam said. "Pilgrims had little concern about their safety and security, thanks to the elaborate arrangements. As for all Indian pilgrims whom I met and spoke, they were very happy and content with the arrangements and services made available for them." There were no significant issues this year as the authorities had put the maximum of their efforts to offer the best ever services. In Mina, most of the air-conditioners were replaced with new ones and it was highly comfortable for pilgrims in the extreme hot temperatures. "In Mina, 65 to 70 percent of tents have new air conditioners and water coolers, and there were very fewer complaints from pilgrims during their stay in Mina." This year, Alam said, India had better quality buildings in both the Haram green category and Aziziyah. There has also been a substantial improvement in the Aziziyah transportation for which new model buses were used in sufficient numbers. "The extremely impressive security measures had helped pilgrims a lot. We helped Hajis to get minimum exposure to sun in high temperatures." The consul said that there is always scope for improvement in Haj operation, and hence, the Haj Mission is bringing about some improvements in arrangements and services every year. According to Alam, Haj gives a gratifying experience and self-realization as it is a virtue that involves reward from God. "It was a unique and most satisfying experience while interacting with Hajis, an unparalleled feeling of having their dua (supplication) for us. I was thrilled to work 24 hours without availing of any weekend during the first Haj as the consul." He noted that the Haj Mission is almost like a guardian to serve the Guests of God and provide them whatever facilities and services they required. "When a Haji faces a problem, we rush to solve it and all our officials and staffers all out to serve more than 100,000 pilgrims for more than 40 days." Speaking about the next Haj plans, Alam said: "We are keen to maintain the positive experience we had in the last Haj, especially in hiring good quality buildings and making available of new buses for transportation between Makkah and Madinah. We also want to have close interaction with each and every pilgrim with bridging connectivity so as to take care of their welfare." Alam said that the Haj mission is working on further improving medical facilities. "We have requested for more ambulances as well as doctors and paramedics from different regions of the country," he added.
