Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay chaired an emergency review meeting on Thursday following flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and directed senior officials and ministers to coordinate the rescue and evacuation of pilgrims from the state.
According to the state government’s latest information, 103 people from Tamil Nadu had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash pilgrimage and were affected by the flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River area. At least 21 Tamil Nadu nationals had been rescued, while the whereabouts of others were still being ascertained.
IAS Officer Sent to Kathmandu
The Chief Minister directed Asish Kumar, a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre and Resident Commissioner of Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi, to travel to Kathmandu and coordinate with the Indian Embassy and local authorities on rescue and evacuation efforts.
The officer will coordinate efforts to establish the whereabouts of affected pilgrims and facilitate their safe return.
Four Ministers to Coordinate From Delhi
Vijay also directed four ministers — Aadhav Arjuna, A Rajmohan, K Thennarasu and R Vinoth — to establish a coordination centre at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi.
Their responsibilities include coordinating with the Union government and facilitating the evacuation and return of Tamil Nadu pilgrims.
103 Pilgrims Affected by Nepal Floods
The pilgrims had travelled to Nepal in two groups for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. One group comprised 57 people, including 54 from Tamil Nadu and three from Puducherry, while another group consisted of 49 people from Tamil Nadu.
The flash floods struck the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district on August 26, disrupting communications and leaving several travellers stranded or uncontactable.
Health Support Arrangements
The Tamil Nadu government has also made arrangements to receive evacuated pilgrims and provide medical support. The state is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassy in Nepal and other agencies for the ongoing rescue efforts.
Senior Officials Involved
The emergency review was attended by senior state officials, including Chief Secretary M Saikumar, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu Cadre, and DGP Mahesh Kumar Agarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, as arrangements for the evacuation were reviewed.
Who Is IAS Ashish Kumar?
Ashish Kumar is a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre and is currently serving as the Resident Commissioner of Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi.
In his present role, he handles coordination involving the Tamil Nadu government and authorities in New Delhi. Following the flash floods in Nepal, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay directed Kumar to travel to Kathmandu and lead the state’s on-ground delegation.
Kumar has been tasked with coordinating with the Indian Embassy and local authorities in Nepal to ascertain the status of Tamil Nadu pilgrims and facilitate their evacuation.
