Bhubaneswar, Sept 12: In a swift and coordinated operation, the Odisha government successfully rescued 23 pilgrims from the state who were stranded in violence-hit Nepal. The pilgrims, including seven women from Jajpur district, had traveled to Kathmandu last week to visit the Pashupatinath temple and other tourist sites, officials said on Friday.

Trapped Amid Unrest

The pilgrims were reportedly confined to a private hotel as widespread violence and arson erupted across Nepal, triggered by anti-corruption protests. Unable to move due to curfews and clashes, their families alerted local authorities, prompting immediate action.

Multi-Agency Coordination

The rescue was executed within five hours of the alert, thanks to the combined efforts of the Odisha government, Directorate of Odisha Paribar, the Chief Resident Commissioner’s office in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mahapatra.

Migrant Workers Still Await Help

While the pilgrims are now safe, hundreds of Odia migrant workers—mostly plumbers from Kendrapara’s Pattamundai, Aul, Rajkanika, and Rajnagar blocks—remain stranded. These villages, known as the “Villages of Plumbers,” have over 75,000 residents working across India and abroad.

Many workers are stuck in construction sites with limited food and no transport options. Mamata from Balipatana village shared that her husband, Babaji Patra, has been trapped in Kathmandu for four days but is safe and hopes to return soon.

Government Response

Kendrapara Collector Raghuram R Iyer confirmed that district officials are compiling a list of stranded workers. Once submitted, the state government will initiate further rescue efforts to bring them home safely.

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