Madras: The Madras High Court directed both the Central and Tamil Nadu government to file detailed status reports on efforts being made to trace and rescue people who remain unaccounted for following the devastating floods in Nepal. The matter was heard by a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan.
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The Court’s intervention came through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent action to identify the whereabouts of affected pilgrims and ensure their safe return to India.
Nepal Flood Crisis Raises Concerns For Indian Pilgrims
Nepal has been facing one of its worst flood disasters in recent years after catastrophic flash floods caused widespread destruction, thousands of deaths, and a large number of missing persons. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing across several affected regions.
Many Indian pilgrims travelling to Kailash Mansarovar through Nepal were caught in the disaster. Communication disruptions, damaged roads, and difficult terrain have complicated rescue efforts.
Nepal Flood Crisis: More Than 80 Pilgrims From Tamil Nadu Still Untraceable
During the hearing, the Court was informed that around 305 people from Tamil Nadu had travelled to Nepal, mainly for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Authorities have managed to trace and confirm the safety of 220 people. However, approximately 85 pilgrims remained untraceable at the time of the hearing, prompting judicial intervention. The Tamil Nadu government informed the Court that it has been coordinating with the Central government, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and Nepalese authorities to locate the missing individuals.
Former Madras High Court Judge Among Missing Persons
The issue gained additional attention because former Madras High Court judge Justice V Sivagnanam was reported missing following the floods. According to reports, he last contacted his wife on August 26 before communication was lost. Legal associations have also urged authorities to intensify efforts to trace him and facilitate his safe return.
Nepal Flood Crisis: Rescue And Repatriation Efforts Underway
The Tamil Nadu government informed the Court that several rescue measures are already in progress. Officials from Tamil Nadu House have been stationed in Kathmandu and are working closely with the Indian Embassy, Nepalese authorities, and families of the affected pilgrims.
The government also stated that some rescued pilgrims have already returned safely to India. Food, accommodation, refreshments, and air tickets are being provided to those rescued at government expense.
Court Seeks Detailed Status Report
After hearing submissions, the Madras High Court directed the State government to place on record a formal status report explaining:
- Steps already taken to trace missing pilgrims.
- Progress of ongoing rescue operations.
- Coordination efforts with Central authorities.
- Measures being taken to bring stranded pilgrims back safely.
The Central government was also permitted to file its response. The matter is expected to be reviewed again after the next hearing.
FAQs
Authorities informed the Court that around 85 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu remained untraceable after the floods, while 220 people had been confirmed safe.
The Madras High Court directed the Centre and Tamil Nadu government to submit status reports on efforts being made to trace and rescue missing pilgrims from Tamil Nadu affected by the Nepal floods.
Justice V Sivagnanam is a former Madras High Court judge who has been reported missing following the Nepal floods and is among those being searched for by authorities.
