Telangana State Haj Committee (TSHC) Special Officer Prof. S.A. Shukoor has stated that the Saudi Authorities have put a ban on cooking for Haj pilgrims in the Green Category i.e. the area near the Ka’aba in Makkah.
Besides this, there is a blanket ban on cooking in Mina and Madeena Munnawara. Pilgrims have been advised to make alternate food arrangements in this areas.
He said that earlier the pilgrims of Green Category were allowed to make their own food. How the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah and Department of Civil Defence have given instructions to Maktabs/Muallims and Building owners to remove the kitchen facilities from the buildings. They are visiting buildings and removing kitchen facilities including stove with gas cylinder, electric hot plates etc., Building owners in Central Makkah area have been warned of severe action including sealing off their building against violation of the new rules. (INN)