ZHUL-HAJJ 5, 1429 A.H.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2008.
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Hajj: 3m for Arafat...As Kano legislators visit pilgrims
From HASSAN MUSA K/MATA, Makka
ABOUT three million people from nearly every country are expected to attend this year’s Hajj which takes place between November 6-9, in the Holyland.
A statement issued by the Higher Judicial Council indicated that the standing on Arafat will be on December 7, while Eid al-Adha day will be on Monday 8. Arrangements for emergency operations are in place on all floors of the Jamrat Bridge, including the newly constructed third floor, according to Commander of Special Emergency Forces for the Jamrat Bridge, Col. Khaled Al-Mahmadi.
“The special plans for emergency operations have been designed well in advance. Eleven workshops and several training operations have been conducted since the beginning of the year,” Al-Mahmadi was quoted in statement circulated to the media in Makka Monday.
He said four huge escalators and ordinary stairs would bring pilgrims by the thousands to the top floor of the bridge for the ritual stoning and take them down after it. “One of the two approach roads to the escalators begins behind the Burj Road and the other at the Majar Al-Kabsh.
Each road, 15 meters wide, merges before reaching the escalator tower to form a 27-meter wide road. Each escalator has the capacity to hold 12,000 pilgrims per hour. Ordinary stairs are available for those who do not want to use escalators or in times of emergency,” Al-Mahmadi added.
The third floor, which can be used by very old and very young pilgrims alike, is convenient for those coming from the direction of Makkah, Sidqui Street and Al-Haj Street, he said. “The second floor will offer a free car service for weak and aged pilgrims this year.
The 14-seater cars will be under the supervision of the Emergency Force,” Al-Mahmadi said. Regarding crowd management at the stone-throwing locations on each floor, the officer said, “we have become experts in crowd management after handling enormous gatherings on the Jamrat over the years. We are now capable of predicting impending dangers due to crowding.
“On the days of stoning, we will be battle-ready to face any eventuality. On the day after the standing in Arafat, pilgrims will be rushing to a single point, the Jamrat Al-Kubra, and this will create huge crowds.” He said mock drills on the bridge are scheduled for the next few days.
“The reactions to 16 different emergency situations will be practiced. The emergency forces will also practice how to feed pilgrims onto all levels of the bridge in approximately equal numbers”, he said.The baggage carried by some pilgrims while performing the ritual poses serious threats to other pilgrims. The baggage may cause some people to stumble and fall.
“The pedestrian management force will see that no pilgrim carries baggage onto the bridge because the baggage sometimes causes pilgrims to stumble and fall making other pilgrims step on them and this leads to stampedes and major problems,” he assured.
The commander said no pilgrim would be allowed to convert the spaces between the bridge and the tents into his resting place. The observation towers on the bridge will stop all such attempts and also keep the area free of squatters.
Head of environmental sanitation of the National Medical Team in the Holyland, Sarkin Tsaftar Kano, Alhaji Ja’afaru Ahmad Gwarzo has also assured that measures are being taken to educate pilgrims on how to conduct themselves health wise during stay at Muna and Arafat standing.
He told newsmen in Makkah Sunday that they have embarked upon house to house enlightenment campaign with a view to achieving the desired goal.
In another development, Kano state House of Assemblly Committee on Hajj has undertaken a tour of all state pilgrims in their rented apartments to interact with them with a view to hearing from them whether they have any problem or suggestion on how best to improve the Hajj arrengements.
Chairman of the committee and member representing Garko constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Abba Garko, expressed satisfaction with the accomodation provided for the pilgrims.
During the visits, most of the pilgrims were happy with the arrengement put in place by the state Pilgrims Welfare Board (KSPWB).They, however, called on the authorities concerned to prevail on the landlords to stop putting off taps especially in the night.
