JEDDAH: The general director of Civil Defense on Tuesday held a meeting to discuss measures and ensure the safety of all pilgrims during Haj this year.

Maj. Gen. Salim Mautrofi, director of Civil Defense in Makkah, met with Brig. Gen. Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz, general director of Civil Defense for the holy sites in Makkah, and directors of other major administrative departments.

The aim behind the meeting was to discuss the preparations for Haj 2016; remove all obstacles and find solutions to problems beforehand; field work and its preparations; assignments for field workers; administrative and technical preparations; emergency plans for any disaster; implementation of security and safety plans for the people and pilgrims during Haj; ensuring that all arrangements that are required and necessary for the security and safety of pilgrims and people during Haj this year are in place.

Mautrofi said Civil Defense will not spare any efforts in serving pilgrims.

The government is putting a lot of effort into serving the pilgrims and ensuring their safety and security. All government agencies are involved in the implementation of Civil Defense emergency response plans during Haj season, in order to provide the highest levels of safety for the pilgrims during their stay in the holy sites.

Civil Defense, through its goals and functions, is preparing to achieve the safety and security of all pilgrims from fires and accidents. There exists cooperation and coordination between the Civil Defense, public security, health affairs and the Saudi Red Crescent, to reduce the risk of overcrowding and pilgrim stampedes at specific locations through an accurate plan.