The Health department has started vaccination of Hajj-2012 pilgrims from today in the Jammu and Kashmir, where first flight will take off from Srinagar International Airport to Saudi Arabia on September 17. Highest number of over 9100 pilgrims from the state would be performing Hajj-2012 against last year’s 8441. According to Director Health Services, Kashmir, the vaccination programme for Hajj pilgrims belonging to Srinagar district started today. He said vaccination of pilgrims will continue till September 14. Also the selected Hajj pilgrims of other districts will be vaccinated at their district headquaters by the concerned authorities. The vaccination of pilgrims in central Kashmir district of Badgam will start from tomorrow while in south Kashmir district of Pulwama from September 14. In Anantnag and Kulgam in south Kashmir it will start from tomorrow, officials said. The highest number of over 9100 Aazmeen-e-Hajj would perform Hajj-2012 from the Jammu and Kashmir. The Hajj quota for the state has been increased from last year’s 8441 to 8670 this year which is highest in last four years. In addition to this Private Hajj Operators are facilitating 500 intending Hajj pilgrims. After a gap of several years, the Hajj flights will operate direct to Saudi Arabia from Srinagar International Airport. The first Hajj flight will take off on September 17 with 270 Aazmeen-e-Hajj on board from here to Saudi Arabia.
One flight is scheduled for one day, officials said adding there would be two Hajj flights for eight days. UNI