Thirty-seven pilgrims from Maharashtra who were stranded in Saga, Tibet, while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have begun their journey towards Kathmandu after intervention from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The pilgrims, who belong to Thane, Pune, Alibag, Raigad and Dombivli, had completed their pilgrimage and were travelling back when they became stranded in Saga amid the difficult situation in the region.
Pilgrims Leave Saga for Kathmandu
The group departed from Saga at around 6 am on Friday and is travelling towards Kathmandu through the Nyalam checkpoint.
Their movement was particularly important because they had a scheduled flight from Kathmandu at 2 pm on August 29. Any major delay in reaching Nepal’s capital could have affected their onward journey to Maharashtra.
After receiving information about the stranded pilgrims, Chief Minister Fadnavis approached the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and requested assistance to facilitate their safe passage.
According to a statement issued by the Raigad District Information Officer, the intervention led to arrangements being made for the group to travel from Saga towards Kathmandu through the Nyalam route.
Fadnavis Seeks Centre’s Intervention
The pilgrims had found themselves stranded after completing the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and were unable to proceed normally towards Kathmandu.
With the group’s return itinerary dependent on reaching Kathmandu on time, the Maharashtra government sought the Centre’s intervention.
Following coordination between the state government and the MEA, arrangements were made to facilitate the movement of all 37 pilgrims.
The entire group has now safely started its journey towards Kathmandu.
Pilgrims Thank Maharashtra Government and MEA
Following the assistance, the pilgrims expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra government and the Ministry of External Affairs for intervening in the matter.
They thanked the authorities for acting promptly and helping them continue their return journey during what they described as a difficult situation.
The pilgrims are expected to reach Kathmandu ahead of their scheduled flight on August 29, allowing them to continue their journey back to India.
