Makkah tunnels contain no pollution according to Civil Defense readings, said Brig. Khalaf Al-Mutrafi, director of the Civil Defense in Makkah. 

“Pollution readings at the tunnel leading to the small market and that of King Abdulaziz, Kadi and Ajyad recorded zero percent CO2. This is translated into oxygen percentages of 21, 18, 19 and 19.5 respectively,” said Al-Mutrafi.

Normal rates of oxygen in the tunnels should range between 19.5 to 22 percent. He confirmed that no toxic gases or sulphides were recorded despite congestion.

The Makkah Civil Defense has designated specialist teams to detect any chemicals, CO2 and radiation levels inside the tunnels around the clock, he said.

The Civil Defense has also allocated extra teams for the peak time of the holy month and the last 10 days. These teams will monitor traffic flow inside the tunnels to spot problems and come up with immediate solutions to ease congestion.

All parties concerned, including the joint security operation teams, will work on the spot to prevent vehicles from entering tunnels until problems are resolved.

There are 12 per personnel per team entrusted with the tasks of monitoring and risk analysis inside the tunnels. These individuals are equipped with full technical equipment to follow up and monitor environmental variables and rates of pollution caused by car exhausts.

The devices used for this purpose — MDX and GAM — will calculate the rate of carbon emissions inside tunnels and make sure that the impact of these pollutants in the atmosphere is minimal.

Precautionary measures will be taken instantly if pollution rates increase. These include preventing vehicles from passing through tunnels and using suction machines to expel air.



Meanwhile, geological survey and monitoring teams continue working across locations where there are high slopes and the threat of falling rocks.

Al-Mutrafi said that his department has so far handled 14 fire incidents and carried out 13 rescue operations, adding that only six people were injured in these incidents.