Date:05/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/05/stories/2007110554980500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Water body poses threat to Haj pilgrims

J.S. Ifthekhar

Hyderabad: With just a week left for the Haj flights to take off, the Haj House here is faced with a piquant situation.

The piece of land acquired on its northern side poses a grave threat to pilgrims as the pool of water on it has loosened the earth.

When buses that ferry the pilgrims to airport drive out through the gate close to the water body the earth might cave in, it is feared. It is usually through this gate that pilgrim buses and luggage vans go.

About 8 to 10 buses will carry pilgrims everyday from the Haj House to airport from November 12 onwards and some days the number could be more as there are two to three flights scheduled.

Movement of such heavy vehicles close to the water body might prove dangerous, it is said.

Technical opinion

The Wakf Board, which owns the Haj House building, has sought the technical opinion of retired chief engineer, R&B, Ghousuddin, about the stability of the land. The feasibility of raising a retaining wall immediately is also being examined.

The Board is supposed to handover the building to the Haj Committee by Monday so that the latter could take up preparations for the Haj camp commencing on November 9.

When the Board acquired the 3800 sq. yards of land in 2006 it was already dug to a depth of 16 feet by the previous owner for raising a complex. Presence of water sprouts and rain water has turned the whole area into a huge water pond.

Attempts to pump out water using high RPM motors has proved futile as the water accumulates in no time. Laying a raft foundation is the only solution but it is a costly proposition. “We have already sanctioned Rs. 1 lakh for raising a retaining wall.

We will do it in time”, says S.M. Madar, chief executive officer, Wakf Board. Meanwhile, Haj Committee Chairman Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed is not sure of the retaining wall being built so quickly. He plans to invite top engineers to examine the site and decide whether the pilgrim buses can pass that way.