Mangaluru: The foundation stone for the proposed Mangaluru Haj Bhavan was laid at Bajpe, near Mangaluru International Airport, on Thursday under the auspices of the Karnataka State Haj Committee, marking a significant step towards establishing a dedicated facility for Haj pilgrims from the coastal region.

Karnataka State Haj Committee chairman Syed Zulfikar Khan said the Haj Bhavan is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half years and will be developed as a unique model in the country. The Karnataka government is funding the project at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, with former chief minister Siddaramaiah having already released Rs 10 crore towards its construction.

Rs 20 crore project near airport

The proposed Haj Bhavan will come up on a site measuring 60,547 square feet at Bajpe, providing convenient access to Mangaluru International Airport.

Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Zulfikar Khan said the facility would have a distinctive architectural design and claimed that a Haj Bhavan of this nature does not currently exist elsewhere in India.

He credited Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Haj and Waqf Minister U T Khader, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and businessman Inayat Ali for their efforts towards bringing the project to fruition.

The Karnataka government has earmarked Rs 20 crore for the project. Khan said Rs 10 crore had already been released by former chief minister Siddaramaiah, allowing the project to move forward.

The proposed facility is expected to provide infrastructure and support for pilgrims undertaking Haj from the coastal region. Its location close to the international airport is also expected to make it convenient for pilgrims and their families.

Haj travel from Mangaluru from next season

Khan said Haj pilgrims would not be able to depart directly from Mangaluru during the current Haj season. However, he assured that arrangements would be finalised to facilitate travel from Mangaluru from the following season.

The establishment of a dedicated Haj Bhavan and the proposed arrangements for pilgrim departures from Mangaluru are expected to address a long-standing demand from the region.

For pilgrims from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and neighbouring areas, direct travel arrangements from Mangaluru could reduce the need to travel to other cities to begin their pilgrimage journey.

The Haj Bhavan could also serve as a central facility for coordination and other requirements associated with pilgrim travel.

State Haj Committee to organise Umrah

The State Haj Committee chairman also addressed complaints concerning private Haj tour operators who have allegedly cheated Umrah pilgrims.

Khan said that, following directions from Haj and Waqf Minister U T Khader, the State Haj Committee would soon make preparations to organise Umrah pilgrimages directly through the committee.

The move is aimed at providing an alternative arrangement for pilgrims who wish to undertake Umrah through an official mechanism. Further details regarding the proposed arrangements, including schedules and procedures, are expected to be announced by the committee.

Zameer Ahmed Khan recalls long-standing demand

Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan said establishing a Haj Bhavan in Mangaluru had been a long-standing dream.

He recalled holding several rounds of discussions with U T Khader, land donor Inayat Ali and Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi regarding the project. He also highlighted the contribution of former chief minister Siddaramaiah towards making the initiative possible.

The project has brought together government representatives, Haj Committee members, community leaders and other stakeholders involved in the management of Haj-related activities in the region.

The location at Bajpe, close to the airport, is expected to be an important advantage for the facility once it becomes operational.

Yathindra Siddaramaiah stresses unity

Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, addressing the gathering, stressed the importance of unity among people for maintaining peace and promoting development.

He alleged that the BJP attempts to create social divisions for political gain and urged citizens to resist what he described as communal forces.

His remarks came during a ceremony attended by political leaders, religious figures, community representatives and members of the Haj Committee.

U T Khader lays foundation stone

Haj and Waqf Minister and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister U T Khader laid the foundation stone for the proposed facility.

Samastha president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal led the dua during the ceremony. Greetings were extended by Dakshina Kannada district Qazi Panakkad Syed Nasir Abdul Hayy Shihabuddin Ba-Alawi Thangal, Udupi Joint Qazi Mani Abdul Hameed Musliyar and Rajya Sabha member Mansoor Ali Khan.

The programme witnessed the participation of a large number of political, religious and community leaders.

Among those present were former MLC Nasir Ahmed, State Minorities Commission chairman U Nisar Ahmed, State Waqf Board chairman Syed Muhammad Ali Hussaini and State Minorities Development Corporation chairman B K Altaf Khan.

Former ministers B Ramanath Rai and Abhayachandra Jain, former MLA Moideen Bava, Mangaluru City Corporation president Padmaraj Poojary and KPCC general secretary Rakshith Shivaram were also present.

Community leaders attend ceremony

KPCC general secretary, businessman and land donor Inayat Ali delivered the introductory remarks. His contribution included making the land available for the proposed Haj Bhavan.

Mangaluru Haj Management Committee president Haji Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi welcomed the gathering.

Bajpe Eidgah Masjid Khateeb Haris Saqafi recited the Qirath, while Nizam Ansari Kalladka and Noufal Vitla compered the programme.

Representatives of the Karnataka State Haj Committee, local Haj management bodies and the wider community also participated in the event.

Facility expected to support pilgrims

The foundation stone-laying marks the beginning of the construction phase of a facility that has been sought for Mangaluru for several years. With the project being located near the international airport, the Haj Bhavan is intended to provide a dedicated base for pilgrims from the coastal region.

The State Haj Committee has set a target of completing the project within one-and-a-half years. Once completed, the facility is expected to strengthen Haj-related infrastructure in Mangaluru and support arrangements for pilgrims from coastal Karnataka.

The proposed direct travel arrangements from Mangaluru from the next Haj season, along with the planned Haj Bhavan, could further strengthen the city’s role as a departure point for pilgrims from the region.