Vijayawada: Amidst the ongoing unrest in Nepal, Andhra Pradesh govt has successfully coordinated the rescue and return of Telugu pilgrims and travellers stranded in different parts of the Himalayan nation. According to Arja Srikanth, special commissioner of Andhra Bhavan in New Delhi, a total of 273 people from Andhra Pradesh were safely brought back home through four Indo-Nepal border routes in recent days. As of Monday, significant progress was reported in the safe return of groups scattered across Nepal. A group of 50 members safely reached their destinations in Nandyal and Kurnool, while another 18 members reached Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. Officials confirmed that these groups have reunited with their families without incident.Meanwhile, a group of nine Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) faced additional complications. Out of them, eight safely reached their destinations. However, one member, who lost his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card in the fire incident at Hyatt Regency hotel in Kathmandu, is still awaiting an emergency e-visa. AP Bhavan team is actively coordinating with Indian authorities to expedite his travel documents and ensure his safe passage.TDP leader Kotla Sujathamma’s family group of 86, currently at Mansarovar, is expected to reach Kathmandu on Monday night after which arrangements would be made for their return. The group is currently stationed at Mansarovar, while their belongings at Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu were ransacked and burnt. Officials confirmed that rescue efforts will continue till all pilgrims are safely reunited with their families.Srikanth said Andhra Pradesh officials are maintaining constant coordination with the Indian embassy in Nepal and local authorities to ensure the smooth and safe transit of all Telugu pilgrims. Special teams from AP Bhavan have been deployed to provide logistical and legal assistance, particularly for those who lost documents or personal belongings during the unrest.The rescue operation, spanning several days, has seen stranded pilgrims brought back through multiple Indo-Nepal border points under challenging conditions. Last Thursday, 144 Telugu people stranded in Kathmandu were safely brought back in a special flight arranged by the state govt. The flight made its first stop at Visakhapatnam, where 104 passengers disembarked, while the remaining 40 got down at Tirupati.
