TIA correspondent
NEW DELHI: About 7000 Indian Haj pilgrims would not be able get place in the Green category area of Makkah despite they paid for it.
According to Haj committee of India 7000 pilgrims who had opted for the Green category will now be accommodated in the Aziziya, some 12 KM from Haram Sharif.
Chief Executive Officer of Haj Committee of India Dr.Shakir Hussain said that he has been informed by the Consulate General of India, Jeddah that large areas around Haram Sharief have been demolished, particularly areas where Indian pilgrims used to be traditionally accommodated.
Though, new structures have come up in their place but they are five or six-star luxury hotels and suites. Also there has been shortage of accommodation within one kilometer of Haram Sharief due to an increase in the total number of pilgrims. It also said that the increase in the space entitlement norm from 3.5 sq. m. to 4 sq. m. per pilgrim, has also reduced the number of buildings available within rent ceiling.
Though the Haj Committee of India has assured refunds to the downgraded Pilgrims, the critics of the committee asked as why this information is given at eleventh hour. “ do the committee and consulate were not aware of the change near green category earlier’? asked a critic.
Meanwhile there are also reports of misappropriation in the building procurement in Azizia. Sources from Makkah Mukkaramah informed that more than 50 percent of building have been acquired from only two building agents named Mustafa and Siddique. There are also report of involvement of some regional Haj Committee members in the malpractice.