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Riyadh: More than 2,000 policemen were assigned to organise the entry and exit of worshippers at the holy places in Makkah, said a Saudi security source.
The source added that hundreds of surveillance cameras were installed at the Grand Mosque and its surrounding area to detect pickpocketing and those who may try to undermine the security and stability of pilgrims.
"More than 850 students from the Saudi military colleges were moved to the holy shrines to take part in the organisation process of pilgrims in Mina in addition to taking part in preventing squatting and support the movements of pedestrians over the Jamrat bridge," Major General Yousuf Mattar, the commander of security forces of the holy places of Makkah told Gulf News.
He noted that the Jamrat Bridge consists of three basements and three floors that can be used for throwing the Jamrat [a symbolic activity of stoning the devil with seven pebbles]. Each can accommodate 120,000 pilgrims every hour, he added.
Congestion
"This means some 500,000 pilgrims can throw the pebbles in one hour a matter which will end the phenomenon of congestion in this area," he said.
Hundreds of pilgrims were killed or injured during the previous Haj seasons due to a stampede over the Jamrat Bridge in Mina.
Last year, pilgrims complained that the security personnel deployed at the site were not working enough to direct crowds and ensure pilgrims are obeying regulations. The Saudi authorities denied this.
Meanwhile, the commander of Haj civil defence forces Major General Sulaiman Al Amro said that his personnel are ready for this year's Hajj season.
"About 12,000 civil defence personnel along with their equipment, machines and helicopters are in full readiness for the Haj season," he noted.
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