Centre Directs States to Avoid Independent Evacuation Efforts from Gulf Nations
Mumbai: In a significant development regarding the evacuation of Indian citizens stranded in Gulf countries amid regional tensions, the Centre has advised state governments against making independent arrangements to bring back their residents. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis disclosed this directive during a session in the legislative council on Wednesday, emphasizing that such individual state efforts could potentially lead to operational chaos and confusion.
Coordinated Federal Response to Stranded Citizens
Fadnavis explained that following the outbreak of conflict in the region and subsequent closure of airspace, numerous tourists and businessmen from Maharashtra began contacting state authorities, urgently requesting assistance for their return to India. "The state government immediately established communication with the central government," Fadnavis stated. "The Centre, in turn, coordinated with various Indian embassies across affected nations. All possible efforts are being mobilized to facilitate the safe return of those stranded abroad."
The chief minister further elaborated that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had successfully facilitated the return of some individuals through his political party's network. However, after discussions with central authorities, state governments received clear guidance against independent evacuation initiatives. "We were informed that if all states undertake separate evacuation operations simultaneously, it would inevitably create logistical chaos and security challenges," Fadnavis revealed. "The Centre is now making comprehensive arrangements and will execute the evacuation process under its direct supervision and coordination."
Multi-Pronged Assistance Mechanism Established
To streamline assistance efforts, the Maharashtra government has appointed Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan as the primary coordinator for evacuation-related matters. Authorities have established a dedicated WhatsApp helpline through which advisories and updates are being circulated to assist stranded citizens. Fadnavis personally promoted this helpline through his social media channels to maximize reach and accessibility.
Additionally, the state government has activated Marathi Mandals (community organizations) operating in Gulf countries to provide on-ground support to stranded Maharashtrians. While some air corridors remain closed due to security considerations, others have gradually reopened, allowing for limited flight operations. "Air India Express is progressively operating special flights to repatriate passengers," Fadnavis informed the council.
Addressing Specific Challenges and Providing Reassurance
The chief minister highlighted specific challenges being addressed, including difficulties faced by transit passengers in Kuwait who lacked appropriate visas. Through diplomatic channels and embassy coordination, these individuals were relocated to common holding areas. Furthermore, MLA Mihir Kotecha arranged for complimentary food provisions at certain locations to support those awaiting evacuation.
Assuring legislative members and the public, Fadnavis referenced India's track record in international citizen evacuations. "Our experience over the past five to ten years demonstrates that the Prime Minister maintains exceptional sensitivity toward the welfare of students and tourists abroad," he asserted. "In previous conflict situations, he has successfully orchestrated the evacuation of students from active war zones."
Fadnavis concluded by requesting cooperation from all stakeholders: "If any of you receive distress messages or requests for assistance from stranded individuals, please forward them to state authorities. We will immediately share these with the Ministry of External Affairs and establish direct contact to provide necessary support." The chief minister expressed optimism that the situation would normalize within the next two to three days as coordinated evacuation efforts intensify.
