Tamil Nadu Pilgrims in Nepal: 220 Safe, 84 Still Untraced, Government Reports

Tamil Nadu’s 220 pilgrims who travelled to Nepal are reported safe, while 84 remain unaccounted for, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Aadhav Arjuna told the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday. Arjuna said the state government is actively coordinating with families and the Union government to locate the missing devotees.

Arjuna’s statement came after the state’s PWD collected information from the “commanding system” of the Ministry of External Affairs. He added that the ministry was asked to reach out to the governments of Tibet and China, where the missing pilgrims could have gone. “We are in constant communication with the families of those who cannot be traced,” he said. The minister also noted that 21 pilgrims had already returned to Tamil Nadu and that arrangements were being made for family members wishing to travel to Nepal.

The state government has set up 24‑hour rescue and support centres in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai to assist families and coordinate with the Union and Nepalese authorities. “We are working closely with the Union government and the Nepal government to ensure the safety of the Tamil pilgrims and to bring them home safely,” Arjuna said.

The pilgrimage, which was organised by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, involved devotees visiting sacred sites in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The trip was scheduled for the first week of August, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Janmashtami. According to the PWD, the 220 pilgrims were escorted by the Tamil Nadu police and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation during their stay in Nepal.

The 84 missing pilgrims are believed to have either stayed in Nepal longer than planned or moved to other regions, possibly Tibet or China, according to the information received by the Tamil Nadu government. The Union government’s Ministry of External Affairs has opened a formal inquiry and is liaising with the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance. The Nepalese government has also pledged to help locate the missing pilgrims and facilitate their safe return.

Family members of the missing devotees have expressed concern about the lack of updates. Arjuna assured them that the state government is maintaining a direct line of communication with all families. “We have a dedicated team that is in touch with every family, providing them with the latest information and assistance,” he said.

In addition to rescue operations, the Tamil Nadu government is also preparing for possible future pilgrimages. The state has requested the Union government to strengthen coordination mechanisms and improve information sharing between the ministries involved. The PWD has also urged the Ministry of Tourism to review the safety protocols for pilgrimages abroad.

The incident has drawn attention to the need for better coordination between state, Union, and foreign governments in managing overseas pilgrimages. The Tamil Nadu government’s proactive approach, involving 24‑hour help centres and continuous liaison with the Union and Nepalese authorities, aims to set a precedent for future travel safety.

The state government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the Legislative Assembly. Families of the missing pilgrims can contact the Tamil Nadu PWD helpline for assistance. The Union Ministry of External Affairs is expected to release a detailed report on the missing pilgrims in the coming days.

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