Kathmandu – A group of 37 Indian pilgrims stranded in Saga, Tibet, while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has safely departed for Kathmandu.
The pilgrims, who are from Maharashtra’s Thane, Pune, Alibag, Raigad and Dombivli areas, left Saga via the Nyalam checkpoint at around 6 am on Friday.
They had become stranded after completing the pilgrimage due to disruptions caused by Wednesday’s devastating flooding along the Tibet–Nepal border. The disaster carried large volumes of water, debris and rocks downstream, causing extensive damage across the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.
The pilgrims needed to reach Kathmandu in time for their scheduled flight. After receiving information about their situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials to take immediate action and coordinated with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
“Following the prompt intervention of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, all 37 pilgrims safely departed for Kathmandu via the Nyalam checkpoint at 6 am today,” the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
The CMO said timely coordination between the Maharashtra government and the Ministry of External Affairs helped secure the group’s safe onward journey. The pilgrims expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the Maharashtra government and the ministry for their assistance.
Meanwhile, Nepali authorities continue to closely monitor water levels in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. Security personnel, rescue workers and residents of vulnerable riverside areas have been urged to remain alert and move to safer locations whenever instructed.
