Mangaluru: The foundation stone for the long-awaited Mangaluru Haj Bhavan will be laid at Kenjar near Bajpe on Sept 17, said Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, president, the Dakshina Kannada Haj Management Committee.He told reporters on Tuesday, that the facility will be constructed on 1.6 acres near Mangaluru International Airport. The land was donated by Inayath Ali in memory of his parents. The state govt has approved the handover of the reserved land for the project.The Haj Bhavan is expected to bring various pilgrimage-related services under one roof. The proposed facility will include a mosque, a prayer and congregation hall, offices for Haj-related activities and a parking area with space for around 500 vehicles. It will also provide facilities for the accommodation and welfare of pilgrims during the embarkation process.The project is aimed at facilitating the resumption of direct Haj flights from Mangaluru. Direct flights from the coastal city were discontinued after the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing pilgrims from the coastal and Malnad regions to travel to Bengaluru to board flights to Saudi Arabia.The coastal and Malnad districts account for nearly 35% of Karnataka’s Haj pilgrims, the committee said. The proposed Haj Bhavan is expected to reduce the difficulties faced by pilgrims from these regions, he said.The foundation-laying ceremony will begin at 4.30pm on Thursday, with several ministers, including district minister UT Khader, chairman of legislative council Saleem Ahmed and MP Capt Brijesh Chowta expected to attend.
