7/28/2019 India Plans Long-term Lease in Makkah to House Pilgrims

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India plans long-term lease in Makkah to house pilgrims512 words18 November 2011

Arab NewsARNEWSEnglishCopyright: Arab News 2011. Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company

The proposal to hire buildings on at least 30 years' lease has been mooted byConsul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai and is under study at government level inIndia, Khan told a press conference at the Indian Consulate General. Kidwai hasalready initiated talks with two parties in Makkah for constructing buildings as perSaudi standards and the requirements of Indian pilgrims, Khan added. "We havealready identified two plots - one is about 65,000 sq. meters and the other is50,000 sq. meters near Kudai parking close to Le Meridien Hotel in Makkah,"said Kidwai. In principle it has been agreed upon between the developers andthe consulate that the buildings will be leased for housing Haj pilgrims for 30years. During the rest of the year, the owners will be free to rent them out toUmrah pilgrims, said Khan, who is deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha (upperhouse of Indian Parliament). "This is a wonderful proposal and the Indiangovernment is studying it.

Once the consulate gets a go-ahead, the buildings will be constructed in threeyears time," Khan, said. Kidwai said presently the consulate hires around 600buildings in different areas of Makkah to accommodate 125,000 pilgrims, whocome through the Haj Committee of India. "If we reach an agreement with adeveloper for a long-term lease, then we will be able to house all our pilgrims inone area, which will help us in taking better care of them. All pilgrims will get

same level of service and facilities as per their requirements. Moreover, Indianpilgrims will be sure of their accommodation in one place and the marketpressure will not wreak havoc on us," Kidwai said. Speaking about this year's Hajoperations, Khan lauded Saudi officials for making excellent arrangements."Under the guidance and able leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy MosquesKing Abdullah, the authorities made flawless arrangements. The quality ofservice is improving every year," Khan said. The goodwill delegation also metseveral Saudi dignitaries to convey their appreciation and satisfaction over theoutstanding planning and preparations for the smooth and most successful Haj,and congratulated them for making the pilgrimage easier and hassle-free for all,

Khan said. Khan also had a word of praise for the Indian mission in general andKidwai and Haj Consul B.S. Mubarak in particular for their tireless efforts to serveIndian pilgrims. "I thank Kidwai and Mubarak for their good work. They deserveaccolades as it was due to their hard work that Indian pilgrims performed Haj withease," Khan said. The delegation comprising 25 members included Sultan

Ahmad, federal minister of state for tourism; M.I. Shanavas and MohammadAdeeb, both members of Parliament; and Abdul Rahim Rather, finance ministerof Jammu & Kashmir state, in addition to political, social and religious leaders.

7/28/2019 India Plans Long-term Lease in Makkah to House Pilgrims

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