The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday set up a control room in New Delhi to assist residents of the state who may be stranded in flood-hit Nepal. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the initiative amid concerns over the safety of Indians travelling through the neighbouring country. The state government has urged residents in Nepal and their families in Madhya Pradesh to use the designated channels for assistance and information.
The control room can be contacted at 011-26772005, while assistance is also available through WhatsApp at 9818963273. Queries can additionally be sent to recp1mpbhawan@mp.gov.in. The government has not provided an estimate of the number of Madhya Pradesh residents currently in Nepal, and there was no official confirmation of any resident from the state being stranded in the flood-affected areas at the time of the announcement.
The precautionary measure comes as severe flooding has affected several parts of Nepal, disrupting normal life and raising concerns about the safety of tourists and pilgrims from India. Nepal is an important religious tourism destination for people from Madhya Pradesh, with devotees regularly travelling to Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath Temple. Pilgrimage groups from the state also travel to Nepal during the holy month of Shravan.
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The neighbouring country is also an important route for Indian pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, increasing the number of Indian visitors who may be present in Nepal during the monsoon season. According to information attributed to Nepal's National Tourism Board, 178 Indians have been reported missing following flash floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. The situation has been particularly serious in Rasuwa, near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The Rasuwagadhi area and downstream stretches along the Bhote Koshi river have been affected by the flooding, prompting concerns over people travelling through the region. Against this backdrop, the Madhya Pradesh government's control room is intended to provide families with information and assistance regarding relatives who may be in Nepal. It will also help facilitate coordination with the authorities concerned.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed concern over the disaster and urged people from Madhya Pradesh in Nepal, as well as their families, to contact the control room for verified information. The state government has also advised residents to rely on the designated communication channels rather than unverified reports about the whereabouts or safety of relatives. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that people seeking information can access official assistance during the ongoing situation.
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