Tamil Nadu Assembly seeks clarity on 37 pilgrims missing in flood-hit Nepal

Chennai: The fate of 37 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu remained uncertain as the State Assembly resumed its sitting on Thursday, with members demanding a detailed explanation from the government about efforts to trace and rescue those stranded in flood-hit Nepal.

The 2026-27 general Budget was presented in the Assembly on August 5, followed by the Agriculture Budget on August 6.

The House debated the two Budgets on August 7, 10 and 11, before Finance Minister Maria Wilson and Agriculture Minister Vinod delivered their replies on August 12.

Department-wise debates on demands for grants began on August 17. Discussions covering 27 departments have so far been completed. After remaining closed on Wednesday for Milad-un-Nabi, the Assembly reconvened at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday.

The sitting also marked the beginning of Question Hour for the first time since the TVK government assumed office. The plight of Tamil pilgrims stranded in Nepal figured prominently during the proceedings, as members sought clarity on the scale of the crisis and the measures initiated by the State.

Questions were raised over whether the government had appointed a special officer to coordinate the rescue operation. Members also asked how many calls had been received through the helpline numbers announced by Tamil Nadu, how many people from the State remained stranded and whether officials had established contact with them.

Concern was also expressed over reports that retired High Court judge Sivagnanam was among those stranded.

Members said relatives were anxious because they had been unable to contact the pilgrims and urged the government to provide an accurate account of their condition and location.

According to information released earlier by the Nepal Tourism Board, nearly 500 tourists could not be contacted following the floods. They reportedly included 291 foreign nationals and 32 security personnel.

Among the foreign nationals were 133 Indian citizens and 37 people of Indian origin living abroad. Reports said 57 of the stranded Indians were from different parts of Tamil Nadu.

They had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through Super Yatra Travels, a private tour operator based in Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.

While 20 members of the group were reportedly rescued, there was no confirmed information about the remaining 37. The Assembly sought an immediate government clarification on their fate and continuing rescue efforts.

IANS