Mansarovar yatra: 29 from TN had gone on pilgrimage, 1 dead, says CM

Of the 29 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, who had embarked on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar yatra in Tibetan region of China, one has died of ill health, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said today.

Over 1,500 Indian pilgrims, undertaking the yatra, have been stranded in mountainous region in Nepal near Tibet due to inclement weather and India has sought assistance from Kathmandu to evacuate them.

The chief minister said a team of 18 Chennai people had arrived from Nepal in Lucknow this morning, while one more is yet to reach that city.

All of them were expected to reach Chennai tonight, Palaniswami informed the state assembly.

Four persons from Krishnagiri and six others from Theni had also gone on pilgrimage, he said in response to a query raised by Leader of Opposition M K Stalin.

The Chief Minister said a 69-year-old man identified as Ramachandran could not complete his journey and upon return died owing to breathlessness.

His body was kept in a Kathmandu hospital and the deceased's family members have flown to Nepal.

Officials at the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi were coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to bring back the mortal remains of Ramachandran today or tomorrow, he said.

Similarily, efforts were on to ensure the safe return of the four member team from Krishnagiri to Nepalgunj, bordering India, he added.

Palaniswami further said soon after it came to be known that pilgrims from Tamil Nadu were stranded in Nepal due to bad weather, he had deputed two officials from Tamil Nadu House to coordinate the rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of those stranded.

The pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Every year, hundreds of Indians undertake the 'yatra' which involves trekking under inhospitable conditions.

The Tamil Nadu government had yesterday announced setting up of a control room in New Delhi to provide logistic support for the state pilgrims stranded in Nepal due to inclement weather once they arrive in the national capital.

The control room, manned by five officials, will be functioning in the Tamil Nadu House and can be reached at 011-21610285 and 011-21610286, an official release said.