Mina, Dhu-AlHijjah 8, 1435, Oct 2, 2014, SPA -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research carried out scores of studies and research focused on the sanitary environment of the Hajj and Umrah by studying infectious diseases emerging amongst pilgrims and working to prevent their spreading; probing mitigating licenses permitted by Islam in order to decrease congestion; studying the psychological effects of extreme congestion on pilgrims; movement and transport within Holy Makkah, Madinah and holy sites - especially public transportation; alongside examining services in the central zone in Makkah and conducting housing studies in Mina. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dr. Atef bin Hussain Asghar, Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, said that the institute performs a broad range of environmental studies including air pollution in Holy Makkah, Madinah and holy sites; and food contamination under efforts to protect pilgrims' health. The Institute offered myriad suggestions that aided government agencies implement their plans - most importantly the development of electric abattoirs; the shuttle buses transportation project; contributing to the development of the stoning bridge and its vicinity and ironing out operational plans for congestion management in Holy Makkah and holy sites. Furthermore; the Institute offered its advisory and research services to a large number of ministries, government agencies and civil organization via financed studies. --More 21:13 LOCAL TIME 18:13 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w