Backward Class and Minorities Welfare Minister Antar Singh Arya reviewed preparations for Alami Tablighi Ijtema to be held on December 6 at village Intkheri near here on Wednesday.
Arya lauded the slogan ‘Green Ijtema-Clean Ijtema’ and expressed satisfaction over preparations.
Member of Ijtema Committee, Atiqul Islam informed that Jamaats would start arriving from Thursday. About 15 lakh people are likely to participate this year. The organising committee has totally banned use of polythene. Chairman of Masaajid Committee Yasir Arafat was also present on the occasion.
Minister Arya said that Ijtema is a matter of pride not only for Bhopal, but also Madhya Pradesh. Arya sought detailed information about drinking water, sanitation, lodging, food, security, lighting, health and other arrangements. The organizing committee informed that municipal corporation, PHE, PWD, administration, police and Health Department have been extending outstanding cooperation. Because of this, such a large-scale congregation is being held peacefully every year. Arya was informed by Health Department officer that arrangement of 10-bed makeshift hospital with duty of 2 doctors each in 3 shifts has been made during Ijtema.
Jamaats from all states of the country and countries of the world including America, Russia, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Srilanka, China, Tanzania etc. are coming to the Ijtema. In view of ever increasing number of visitors, canopies have been erected on 35 acres while parking arrangements have been made on 150 acre land this year.
As many as 100 food zones have been set up so that there is no difficulty in getting food. At food zones, people can get square meals at the rate of `35, `30 and `25. Canopies were erected on 25 acres last year. Apart from police and administrative staff, 400-500 people also extend voluntary service.
How many people will attend the Ijtema can be gauged from the fact that a train from Andhra Pradesh will bring devotees. The train will stay at Bhopal for 3 days and take the devotees back. Ijtema at Bhopal had begun in year 1948 at Taj-ul-Masajid in which 150 people had participated.