Karnataka Government Steps Up Rescue Efforts for Stranded Pilgrims in Nepal

The Karnataka government is coordinating rescue and repatriation efforts for people from the state who are stranded in flood-hit Nepal, with steps underway to facilitate their safe return to Bengaluru.

On Sunday night, an update on the ongoing rescue operations was sought from Sameer Shukla, the Resident Commissioner of Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi. The state administration received details regarding the efforts to rescue individuals caught in the crisis and bring them back safely.

Earlier on Saturday, stranded Kannadigas had appealed for an airlift, pointing out the severe risks posed by landslides and the challenging 12 to 15-hour road journey. During a video conference interaction with a group of pilgrims, including women who had travelled from Karnataka to Nepal, assurances were given that the state government would assess the ground situation and take necessary action.

One pilgrim explained during the interaction that the group had reached Darchan after travelling from the Kailash base. They were scheduled to move to Nyalam for immigration formalities before entering the Nepal border. The pilgrim stated that the road route carried a high risk of landslides and requested an airlift to avoid getting stuck during the 12 to 15-hour road trip.

In response to their plea, assurance was given to the group that the feasibility of an airlift would be reviewed and appropriate steps initiated. Officials were also instructed to arrange accommodation for all Kannadigas arriving in New Delhi before their onward transit to Bengaluru.

As many as 17 people from Karnataka, including Infosys Public Services CEO Lax Gopisetty, remained untraceable in Nepal following heavy floods and landslides that damaged communication and transport links across several areas. While the locations of some individuals have been identified, efforts continue to trace the remaining missing persons.