High Court Intervention in Nepal Floods Rescue Efforts
The Madras High Court has issued a directive to both the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to submit comprehensive status reports regarding the ongoing efforts to locate 85 missing individuals from Tamil Nadu, who have not been contacted following the catastrophic floods in Nepal.
The directive was issued on Wednesday by a Division Bench consisting of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan. This order was in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate AF Parvesh Mushraf. The PIL urged authorities to ascertain the status and safety of each pilgrim from Tamil Nadu impacted by the disaster and to ensure their safe return home.
Unaccounted Pilgrims and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
A notable concern is the whereabouts of former Madras High Court Justice V Sivagnanam, whose family has been unable to contact him since August 26. It remains unclear if Justice Sivagnanam is among the 85 individuals yet to be reached.
During the hearing, it was revealed that a total of 305 individuals from Tamil Nadu had traveled to Nepal, primarily for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Out of these, 220 have been located and are confirmed to be safe, leaving 85 still unaccounted for.
The Tamil Nadu government asserted that it has been working in concert with the Central government and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to locate and repatriate the missing pilgrims. Additionally, they have arranged for family members of the missing persons to travel to Kathmandu at the government’s expense to aid in the search.
Mandated Reports and Future Proceedings
The Bench has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to submit a detailed report outlining the measures taken and the ongoing rescue efforts. The Central government has also been granted permission to provide its response. The case is scheduled for another hearing in eight days, providing time for the governments to compile and present their findings.
During the proceedings, the Tamil Nadu government presented a summary of the rescue and repatriation actions conducted so far. They reported that 21 pilgrims, who traveled with Kumbakonam-based Super Yatra, have been safely returned. Tamil Nadu House officials in Kathmandu are actively coordinating with the Indian Embassy, local authorities, and the pilgrims’ relatives.
It was also reported that some groups of pilgrims have reached New Delhi and have since returned to their hometowns, with the government providing food, refreshments, and air tickets. However, communication with 49 pilgrims, who traveled with Chennai-based Mahadev Kailash Yatra, remains unsuccessful, although efforts via the Indian Embassy are ongoing.
