Departure of Hajj Pilgrims: Div Com Kashmir reviews preparations

SRINAGAR : In preparation for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg , on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for the smooth departure of pilgrims.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners from across Jammu & Kashmir and Kargil, besides departments including Airport Authority, Emigration, Customs, Tourism, Public Works (R&B), PHE, KPDCL, Health, Transport, Traffic, Police, CISF, J&K Bank, and other concerned agencies.
Hajj flights are scheduled to operate from April 18 to April 28, 2026. This year, a total of 4,706 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir will undertake the sacred journey of Hajj.
Emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts, the Divisional Commissioner directed all departments to ensure comprehensive preparations for the pilgrimage. He instructed Deputy Commissioners to oversee arrangements and facilitate pilgrims effectively.
Special attention was given to ensuring the availability of essential services at the Hajj House, including uninterrupted electricity and water supply, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.
The Divisional Commissioner further instructed J&K Bank to maintain adequate availability of foreign exchange in lower denominations to avoid inconvenience to pilgrims. He also called for proper boarding and lodging arrangements for pilgrims arriving from Jammu and Ladakh.
To ensure seamless travel, Customs and Emigration authorities were asked to establish special facilitation counters at the airport for quick clearance.
For real-time coordination and information sharing, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Hajj Officer to create a dedicated WhatsApp group comprising all concerned officials and Hajj aspirants.