New safety wristbands launched for children at Makkah’s Grand Mosque
Riyadh: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have introduced a new safety measure to protect the youngest visitors at the Grand Mosque in Makkah by distributing free identification wristbands to families.
This initiative, led by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, aims to prevent children from getting lost in the massive crowds and ensures they can be quickly reunited with their guardians if they wander off. By providing a simple way for staff to contact parents immediately, the program offers peace of mind to pilgrims during the busy Umrah and Hajj seasons.
The process for obtaining a bracelet is straightforward and designed for convenience, as families can pick them up directly upon arrival at the mosque’s main entrances. There is no need for online registration or any advance payment, as the service is completely free.
According to reports, dedicated desks have been set up at major entry points, such as the King Abdulaziz Gate and King Fahd Gate, where staff members help parents fill out the necessary details.
The child’s name and a guardian’s mobile phone number are recorded on the band, which is then securely fastened to the child’s wrist before they enter the prayer areas.
While the system is available for all visitors, officials especially urge parents to use it during peak times like Ramadan or the annual Hajj pilgrimage when the crowds are most dense.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Man dies after tree branch falls on him during pruning in west Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A 45-year-old man died after a tree branch fell on him during a pruning operation in west Delhi's Naraina Vihar on Thursday, police said.
The incident occurred when Mukesh, a resident of Naraina village, was passing through the Ring Road, they said.
He was taken to the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The Public Works Department (PWD) was carrying out the pruning, police said.
In a statement, the PWD said the incident was "deeply unfortunate".
"As per the preliminary report from field staff, the area was fully barricaded and pruning work was being carried out using a hydra machine with all necessary permissions in place for tree cutting. Despite repeated warnings, the pedestrian forcibly entered the restricted zone where branches were being cut," it said.
The statement added that a thorough investigation has been ordered and if any lapse is found on the part of the contractor or PWD officials, strict action will be taken.
A case has been registered under provisions related to causing death by negligence and further legal action is being initiated, police said.
