Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that 37 pilgrims from Maharashtra stranded in Saga, Tibet, after completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have departed safely via the Nyalm Check Post route to Kathmandu.
The Maharashtra CMO, in a post on X, said, “The 37 pilgrims from Thane, Pune, Alibag, Raigad, and Dombivli areas had gone for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They got stranded in Saga during their return journey. Their return flight from Kathmandu was scheduled for 2 PM on August 29, making it essential to reach Kathmandu on time. Upon receiving this information, Chief Minister Fadnavis immediately contacted the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, secured the necessary assistance, and ensured the safe return journey from Saga to Kathmandu for all pilgrims. In this hour of crisis, everyone expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Government, and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for the timely help received.”
The CMO also uploaded the list of the 37 pilgrims in the post.
Earlier, CM Fadnavis on Thursday evening spoke to stranded citizens and assured them all possible help for their safe return.
The Chief Minister’s Office in a post on X said, “All 106 passengers from Nagpur have safely departed from Kathmandu for Danapur, Bihar. Following a phone call from CM Fadnavis, Nepal MP Sandeep Rana arranged four local mini-buses to facilitate their journey from Kathmandu to Janakpur. The passengers are expected to reach the Janakpur–Bihar border tomorrow morning. Buses have been arranged for their journey to Danapur, Bihar, from where their return journey by train has also been arranged.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said several citizens from Maharashtra, particularly from Satara, Mahabaleshwar, and Pune regions, are stranded in Nepal.
Speaking to reporters, he stated that continuous efforts were being made to establish contact with the stranded residents and bring them back safely to Maharashtra. He said that due to the natural disaster that has hit Nepal, several citizens from the state are stranded there, while the search for some is still ongoing.
He interacted via video call with Shiv Sena’s Deputy District Chief Megha Chorge and her colleagues, who are stranded in Pokhara near Kathmandu. During the call, he inquired about their well-being and reassured them, stating that all possible assistance would be provided to ensure their early return.
Describing the situation in Nepal as extremely tragic and unfortunate, Dy CM Shinde said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a helping hand to Nepal at the Central level. He added that supporting each other during times of crisis is our responsibility, and the Central government, Government of Maharashtra, State Disaster Management Authority, and Shiv Sena’s disaster management team are working in close coordination.
Dy CM Shinde also mentioned that maximum efforts are being made to reach and assist stranded citizens of Maharashtra through Shiv Sena workers based in Nepal.
Meanwhile, against the backdrop of the severe flood situation in Nepal, joint efforts by the Central and state governments are underway to ensure the safety of Maharashtra’s citizens. Additionally, Shiv Sena’s disaster management machinery has been activated for relief work. Yuva Sena’s Rahul Kanal, along with several Shiv Sainiks, left for Nepal to assist in the operations.
(IANS)
