The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) has unveiled its comprehensive environmental monitoring plan for the 1445 Hajj season, covering Makkah, Madinah, and all holy sites. The initiative, announced on June 4, 2024, aims to ensure that every facility and activity pilgrims encounter—from travel routes to ritual sites—adheres to strict environmental standards, safeguarding both human health and natural resources throughout the pilgrimage.
Context and Background
Hajj, one of the largest annual gatherings in the world, attracts millions of pilgrims who converge on the holy cities, creating significant environmental pressures. The NCEC, tasked with enforcing environmental regulations across the Kingdom, has developed a three-phase plan to monitor air quality, noise levels, soil conditions, and water sources. This year’s approach is informed by lessons learned from the previous season, with a newly established database that categorizes facilities, tracks their environmental status, and identifies responsible authorities for rapid response actions.
Key Details
NCEC spokesperson Saad Al-Matrafi outlined the three phases. The first phase, which began on the 20th of Dhu Al-Qi’dah, involves approximately 1,500 thorough inspection tours covering roads and complexes used by pilgrims, including Al Hada Road, Al Sail Road, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, Hijrah Road, and Qassim Road.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.