Thirty-seven pilgrims from Maharashtra who were stranded in Saga, Tibet, following the completion of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have departed safely via the Nyalm Check Post route towards Kathmandu, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed on Friday, 28 August. The development comes amid severe flooding in Nepal that has left multiple groups of Maharashtra residents stranded across the region.

How the Rescue Was Secured

According to the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the 37 pilgrims — hailing from Thane, Pune, Alibag, Raigad, and Dombivli — had been on their return leg from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra when they became stranded in Saga. Their return flight from Kathmandu was scheduled for 2 PM on 29 August, making a timely departure critical.

Upon receiving the information, Chief Minister Fadnavis immediately contacted the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, secured the necessary assistance, and ensured the group's safe passage from Saga to Kathmandu, the CMO said in a post on X. The office also uploaded the full list of the 37 pilgrims in the same post.

Broader Rescue Efforts Across Nepal

In a separate operation, all 106 passengers from Nagpur have safely departed from Kathmandu for Danapur, Bihar. Following a call from Chief Minister Fadnavis, Nepal MP Sandeep Rana arranged four local mini-buses to ferry the group from Kathmandu to Janakpur. The passengers were expected to reach the Janakpur–Bihar border the following morning, with onward bus arrangements made to Danapur and a train journey also organised for their final return.

Deputy CM Shinde on the Ground Situation

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said citizens from Satara, Mahabaleshwar, and Pune regions remain stranded in Nepal, with search operations still ongoing for some. He interacted via video call with Shiv Sena Deputy District Chief Megha Chorge and colleagues stranded in Pokhara, reassuring them of all possible assistance.

Describing the situation as "extremely tragic and unfortunate," Deputy CM Shinde noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended support to Nepal at the Central level. He said the Central government, Government of Maharashtra, State Disaster Management Authority, and Shiv Sena's disaster management team are working in close coordination.

Relief Machinery Activated

Shiv Sena's disaster management machinery has been activated, with Yuva Sena's Rahul Kanal and several Shiv Sainiks departing for Nepal to assist in relief operations. Shiv Sena workers based in Nepal are also being mobilised to reach and assist stranded Maharashtra citizens. On Thursday evening, Chief Minister Fadnavis had personally spoken to stranded citizens and assured them of all possible help.

With evacuations still ongoing and some citizens yet to be located, authorities have indicated that coordination between state and Central agencies will continue until all Maharashtra residents are safely accounted for.