Hyderabad: The Saudi authorities have lifted ban on cooking in the Green Zone, in the vicinity of the Haram of Kaaba in Makkah.
Telangana State Haj Committee Special Officer Prof. S. A. Shukoor has stated that the Saudi Authorities earlier this month had put a ban on cooking for Haj pilgrims in the Green Category i.e. the area near the Kaaba in Makkah and pilgrims were advised to make alternate food arrangements.
The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah and Department of Civil Defence had given instructions to Maktabs/Muallims and Building owners to remove the kitchen facilities from the buildings.
They visited the buildings and removed kitchen facilities including stove with gas cylinder, electric hot plates etc. Building owners in Central Makkah area were warned of severe action including sealing off their building against violation of the new rules.
However they have lifted the ban and allowed the pilgrims in this zone to cook their own food.
Meanwhile, 3398 Haj pilgrims have reached Makkah. Now only four flights are remained to take off, out of which three will leave tomorrow on Friday and one flight will leave on August 27. (INN)