Readiness of the environment, water and agriculture system to serve pilgrims
The Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, affirmed that the environment, water and agriculture system is fully prepared to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims during the Hajj season. This affirmation came during an extensive field inspection tour that included Makkah and the Holy Sites, to assess the readiness of all sectors to ensure the comfort of pilgrims and meet their basic needs for the 1447 AH Hajj season.
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on serving pilgrims, considering the provision of water, food, and a healthy environment as among the most sacred duties inherited by the leadership since the founding of the nation. The significance of this annual event is evident in its profound impact at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, it drives development and continuously improves infrastructure. Regionally and internationally, it reflects the Kingdom's exceptional ability to manage millions of pilgrims efficiently and effectively, while preserving the sustainability of natural resources and presenting a global model for integrated environmental management.
Preparations by the environment, water and agriculture system to ensure water supply
During the inspection tour, Engineer Al-Fadhli was accompanied by several leaders from relevant sectors to review water projects and the level of technical and operational preparedness. The tour included production, transportation, strategic storage, and distribution facilities, with the aim of securing water supplies for pilgrims and improving service quality. The Minister inspected the strategic storage facilities in Al-Maghmas, pumping stations, distribution networks, and treatment plants, in addition to reviewing supplementary supply and emergency plans. He also visited the Operations and Maintenance Center, one of 27 centers in the Holy Sites, which works to provide rapid response to reports through qualified field teams equipped with advanced technological systems linked to the monitoring and control center in Mina to ensure continuous pumping and network pressure monitoring.
Environmental monitoring and the use of modern technologies
The Minister conducted a field visit to the mobile laboratory and the drone and remotely piloted vehicle (ROV) technologies of the National Center for Environmental Compliance. These advanced technologies, along with satellites, are used to rapidly monitor environmental challenges, enabling emergency teams to intervene immediately in affected areas. This extensive use of technology ensures comprehensive monitoring of the environment surrounding the Holy Sites, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing a healthy and safe environment.
Enhancing food security and efficient waste management
As part of ongoing coordination, the Minister chaired a meeting at the National Water Company headquarters in Mina to review operational plans aimed at ensuring water availability, food safety, air quality, and waste management. The General Authority for Food Security confirmed ample flour stocks in Mecca and Medina, exceeding 500,000 bags, and a wheat reserve of over 600,000 tons held by milling companies, ready for distribution as needed.
On another front, the National Center for Waste Management (Mawan) reviewed its efforts by adopting a technical guide for waste management and coordinating with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to implement strict requirements within the camps. The engineering unit at the Al-Akayshiyah landfill was also equipped for the safe disposal of solid waste from slaughterhouses, and the treatment and recycling capacity of liquid waste from sacrificial animals was expanded, with the launch of new projects to treat thousands of tons of slaughterhouse waste annually.
Veterinary and meteorological services for the safety of pilgrims
The National Agricultural Services Company reviewed the readiness of local markets and slaughterhouses, noting that over 1.084 million head of livestock had been cleared through animal and plant quarantine facilities. In a related development, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) intensified its field operations through emergency teams to inspect livestock and control disease vectors, ensuring the public health of pilgrims.
On the climatic front, the National Center for Meteorology has completed its preparations to provide accurate and comprehensive meteorological services, achieving 100% coverage of the atmosphere in the holy sites and vital entry points. An integrated monitoring system, including automated and manned stations, weather radars, and upper-air monitoring systems, has been deployed to ensure the safety of lives and property and to provide accurate information that contributes to the success of Hajj plans and facilitates the performance of the rituals.
