Riyadh: The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) has revealed its plan for this year's Hajj season in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites. The plan has three phases, and based on it, all facilities and activities pilgrims use or engage in, from their journey to the holy sites, through the Hajj rituals, until the end of the season, will be closely monitored. NCEC spokesperson Saad Al-Matrafi said that the first phase, which started on the 20th of Dhu Al-Qi'dah, entails some 1,500 thorough inspection tours covering activities, complexes, and roads used by pilgrims to reach Makkah and Madinah. The thoroughfares include Al Hada Road, Al Sail Road, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, Hijrah Road, and Qassim Road. Al-Matrafi emphasized that the 1445 Hajj season plan was developed based on the previous season. A comprehensive database was created to classify facilities, sites, and their condition, as well as to identify authorities responsible for them. This enables quick response in case pollutants are detected, for the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. According to Al-Matrafi, "In the first phase, we collected samples from the soil, groundwater, and wells that supply the holy cities. We also monitored air quality and noise, and provided daily reports to relevant authorities." The second phase, he said, will begin at the start of Dhu Al-Hijjah and continue until the third day of Tashreeq. It will focus on monitoring environmentally influential sites in Makkah and the holy sites continuously, to detect potential violations, with center inspectors measuring the quality of air and level of noise daily. Field teams had a positive impact during last year's Hajj season by quickly tackling cases that did not comply with environmental norms, thus improving the quality of the environment for pilgrims. The third phase, which will be carried out after Hajj, includes visits to ensure the environment was not negatively impacted, and monitoring of slaughterhouses and waste-management facilities, to ensure co mpliance. "Protecting the environment and adhering to environmental standards are crucial to serving pilgrims and preserving natural resources. It aims to improve air, water, and soil quality throughout the Kingdom," Al-Matrafi said. Source: Saudi Press Agency