432 pilgrims to depart today
Nawshaba Iqbal
Srinagar, Apr 17: Jammu and Kashmir’s share in India’s Hajj pilgrims has nearly halved over the past two decades, dropping to around 3.5 percent from 8-10 percent earlier, with officials attributing the decline to a steep rise in costs.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hajj Committee J&K, Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, said escalating expenses have significantly impacted participation from the region.
“The strengthening of the US dollar has affected the Saudi riyal. Earlier, one riyal cost around Rs 12, but now it is close to Rs 26,” he told Excelsior.
He said the withdrawal of the Hajj subsidy, following Supreme Court directions, added around Rs 40,000 to the cost per pilgrim, while the introduction of a 15 percent value-added tax (VAT) on services in Saudi Arabia after 2019 further increased the financial burden.
“Overall, the expenses have increased by nearly 50 to 60 percent,” Qureshi said.
Officials also cited a shift in preference, with many opting for Umrah instead of Hajj. “Around 30,000 people from J&K travel annually for Umrah.”
Meanwhile, a total of 4,704 pilgrims from J&K are scheduled to undertake the pilgrimage this year.
Of the total pilgrims, nearly 800 are from the Jammu division, while the rest are from Kashmir, with all districts contributing to the tally. Srinagar district has the highest share, at around 1,160 pilgrims.
Authorities said all arrangements have been finalised in coordination with the Hajj Committee of India, while preparations in Saudi Arabia are being overseen by the Consulate General of India.
Qureshi added that there is no immediate concern regarding ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as flights from Srinagar will operate via Ahmedabad, avoiding conflict-affected areas to ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel for pilgrims.
Flight operations from the Srinagar embarkation point will begin on April 18 and are expected to continue till May 20.
According to officials, 3,990 pilgrims will depart via Srinagar, including 323 from Ladakh, while around 1,000 pilgrims will travel through Delhi and 50 via Mumbai.
On the first day of departure starting April 18, three flights-QP-7521, QP-7520, and QP-7519-have been scheduled. A total of 432 are scheduled to embark on the journey.
Pilgrims have been directed to report at Haj House, Bemina, within designated time slots: 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM for QP-7521, 8:15 AM to 8:45 AM for QP-7520, and 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM for QP-7519.
The Hajj Committee has asked pilgrims to strictly adhere to reporting timings to ensure smooth processing.
They have been instructed to carry original passports along with visa copies, health and vaccination cards, and to comply with baggage norms.
Officials said the luggage allowance has been reduced from 40 kg to 25 kg this year, and only standard baggage in line with airline regulations will be permitted.
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