Environmental monitoring in Mecca: 843 visits to slaughterhouses during the Hajj season
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims performing Hajj and to preserve the environment of the holy sites, the National Center for Environmental Compliance announced an intensification of field inspections of slaughterhouses and facilities with high environmental impact in Mecca. This step coincides with the start of the sacrificial slaughter on the first day of Eid al-Adha, during which more than 843 inspection visits were conducted, including 75 specialized tours targeting high-risk facilities.
Strict environmental monitoring during the Hajj season
Engineer Mohammed bin Ammar Amin, Director of the Center's office in the Holy City of Mecca, explained that these intensive inspection tours are part of a comprehensive action plan for the second phase of the Hajj season, which runs from the 1st to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. He emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure the safe handling of solid and liquid waste generated by the millions of sacrificial animals slaughtered during the season, and to verify that facilities comply with approved environmental regulations.
The inspection tours covered more than eight slaughterhouses and sacrificial animal sites, in addition to two sewage treatment plants and two engineered landfills, with the aim of minimizing any potential impacts on the environment and public health. For his part, the center's inspection director, Abdullah Al-Ayouni, confirmed that slaughterhouse activity is a primary focus of inspections during the Hajj season, given its high operational capacity and the large quantities of waste it generates.
The importance of monitoring during Hajj: a historical and logistical context
The Hajj pilgrimage is the world's largest annual human gathering, with millions of Muslims flocking to Mecca to perform the Hajj rituals. The sacrifice of animals (Hadi and Adha) is an integral part of the Hajj and Eid al-Adha pilgrimages. Historically, managing the enormous quantities of organic waste generated by this ritual has posed a significant logistical and environmental challenge for Saudi authorities. Improper disposal of this waste can lead to serious health risks, such as the spread of diseases and epidemics, as well as environmental pollution that harms the soil, water, and air—a situation that is incompatible with the sanctity of the holy site.
Therefore, environmental monitoring and management systems have evolved over the years to become today an integrated system that aims to achieve a balance between performing religious rituals, preserving public health and environmental sustainability, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of protecting the environment and improving the quality of life.
Local and international impacts and sustainable efforts
The Kingdom's success in managing this environmental challenge has implications that extend far beyond the local level. Locally, these measures ensure a healthy and safe environment for pilgrims and residents of Mecca. Internationally, the effective management of the Hajj enhances the Kingdom's standing as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and its ability to organize major global events with high efficiency. Furthermore, safeguarding the health of pilgrims prevents the transmission of diseases upon their return home, making it a matter of global public health concern.
Environmental studies have shown that the modern slaughterhouse complex in Mecca has an operational capacity of approximately 370,000 head of livestock over just four days. This system is subject to continuous environmental monitoring, including air quality monitoring, noise levels, and waste management mechanisms. Liquid waste is collected in specialized tanks and transported for treatment, while solid waste is conveyed via belt conveyors for safe disposal, thus minimizing any potential negative environmental impacts.
