Repatriation of Maharashtra Pilgrims’ Bodies from Nepal Bus Crash Scheduled for Saturday
On August 23, 2024, the Maharashtra government made a request to the Ministry of Defence for assistance in bringing back the bodies of pilgrims who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident in Nepal. The government is coordinating with the Indian Air Force to arrange a special flight to transport the mortal remains and the injured individuals back to Maharashtra. The bodies and survivors are expected to arrive in the state on Saturday evening, providing closure to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Efforts for Repatriation
The repatriation process is set to begin with the transfer of the pilgrims and deceased individuals from the Indian embassy in Kathmandu to the Indian government at Maharajganj. From there, they will be transported to Gorakhpur airport via road, a journey that spans over four hours. Due to the time constraints and the unavailability of commercial flights, the Maharashtra government sought assistance from the Ministry of Defence for a special Indian Air Force flight to expedite the repatriation process.
An official from the relief and rehabilitation department mentioned, “The final commercial flight from Gorakhpur departs at 5 pm, which made it necessary for us to arrange for a special flight. Transporting the pilgrims and deceased individuals to Gorakhpur instead of Kathmandu was deemed more convenient given the circumstances.” The government is working in close collaboration with the Indian embassy in Kathmandu and the district administration in Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh, to ensure a smooth repatriation process.
Details of the Victims
The pilgrims who lost their lives in the bus accident hail from Jalgaon in Maharashtra. They had embarked on a pilgrimage to Nepal, organized by a tour operator from Uttar Pradesh. The group consisted of 40 tourists and pilgrims from Varangaon, Bhusaval, and Talvel, most of whom belong to the Leva Patil community. The tragic incident has deeply affected the families and communities of the victims, prompting swift action from the Maharashtra government to bring them back home.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed, “The pilgrims who perished in the bus accident are from Jalgaon, and we are working diligently to repatriate their bodies and provide assistance to the injured. Our priority is to ensure that the families receive the necessary support during this difficult time.” The government officials are in constant communication with their counterparts in Kathmandu and Maharajganj district to streamline the repatriation process.
Collaborative Efforts for Repatriation
The Maharashtra government has mobilized resources to coordinate efforts between the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, the Uttar Pradesh administration, and the local authorities in Maharajganj district. The Resident Commissioner in Delhi has been assigned the task of overseeing the repatriation process and ensuring seamless coordination between the various stakeholders involved. Additionally, the Jalgaon collectorate is actively engaged in facilitating the return of the deceased pilgrims and providing support to the injured survivors.
A spokesperson from the Jalgaon collectorate shared, “We are working closely with the Indian embassy in Kathmandu and the Uttar Pradesh administration to expedite the repatriation of the deceased pilgrims. Our focus is on ensuring that the families receive the necessary assistance and that the bodies are brought back to Maharashtra with dignity and respect.” The collaborative efforts between the state government, embassy officials, and local authorities underscore the commitment to providing closure to the affected families.
In conclusion, the repatriation of the Maharashtra pilgrims’ bodies from the tragic bus accident in Nepal is a somber reminder of the risks associated with travel and the importance of timely intervention in times of crisis. The concerted efforts of the government agencies and authorities involved in the repatriation process reflect a commitment to upholding the dignity and honoring the memory of the deceased pilgrims. As the bodies and injured individuals are brought back to Maharashtra, it is a poignant moment for the families and communities to mourn their loss and find solace in the support extended to them during this challenging period.