With more than 2 million people performing Hajj every year, there is an equal strain on the environment by carbon emissions, waste, energy, and water consumption. Thus, measures have been taken to encourage pilgrims to minimize their waste and use resources sensibly to reduce their carbon footprint. Many government bodies came together to promote environmentally conscious behavior, manage solid waste, and mitigate the ill effects of waste on the environment. Thus, Saudi Arabia aims to make Hajj 2024 eco-friendly and safe for all.

MWAN Initiative

The National Waste Management Center worked towards educating pilgrims on how to manage things accordingly in an environmentally friendly manner. MWAN inspection teams conducted rounds to ensure safe waste management throughout the Hajj rituals. Through their social media platforms, the organization promoted green behavior.

Their teams inspected 49 operational facilities in the waste management sector across Makkah and Madinah in May. Early inspections were done to ensure their compliance with waste management regulations.

MWAN aims to roll out various initiatives serving pilgrims, and optimizing natural resource uses while promoting public health and environmental sustainability. The National Center for Environmental Compliance monitored air quality before, during, and after the Hajj season.

According to the head of the center’s Hajj Operations Room, Mohammed Ammar Ameen, during the inspection rounds of sites and facilities, if any facility was found to be non-compliant with the said measures, was immediately reported. In the 2nd phase, the center intensified the field visits around Makkah and holy sites. These visits aim to monitor water, air, and soil samples, to ensure their safety.

Sustainable Highlights Hajj 2024 (1445 H)

  • The electric train covering running between Holy Sites Train produces zero emissions.
  • The National Center for Waste Management raised awareness about environmentally friendly behaviors
  • Around 20 air quality monitoring stations were established in Makkah and Madinah by the National Center for Environmental Compliance.
  • 10 projects to enhance water infrastructure were initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. They also appointed 2,000 employees to provide smooth services to the pilgrims.
  • The fleet of electronic transportation includes E-trains, E-buses, a rollout of brand-new E-scooters, along with an all-electric and self-driving aerial taxi service. The aerial taxi service is the world’s first to be licensed by a civil aviation authority.
  • The organizations encouraged pilgrims to reuse garments rather than buy new clothing and to carry reusable water bottles.

This is how Saudi Arabia made Hajj 2024 eco-friendly, with the combined efforts Hajj management authorities and pilgrims, they succeeded in making it a greener Hajj journey. Saudi Arabia has been taking necessary measures to make the pilgrimage journey more sustainable with each passing year.

Source: Saudi Arabia prepares for exceptional hajj season

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Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.

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