Nagpur Residents Stranded in Gulf Nations Amid Escalating Conflict
Hundreds of tourists and pilgrims from Nagpur find themselves stranded across several Gulf countries, as flight disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have left them in a precarious situation. Many are grappling with depleted finances and growing anxiety about their safety and return journey, highlighting a severe humanitarian concern.
Widespread Stranding Across Multiple Countries
The affected individuals include tourists who traveled last month through private tour operators, as well as pilgrims who embarked on Umrah during the holy month of Ramzan. These stranded travelers from Nagpur are currently spread across key locations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that flight cancellations, exorbitant airfares, and general uncertainty have forced many to remain in hotels for extended periods, struggling to manage daily expenses as their savings dwindle.
Communication Breakdown and Desperate Appeals
Communication has emerged as a significant challenge, with several stranded families unable to make direct phone calls or connect via WhatsApp. This has prompted them to post SOS videos on social media platforms. In one such video shared on Instagram, three Nagpur-based couples, along with their children, appealed for immediate intervention. They tagged Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, pleading for help amidst the terrifying sounds of explosions near their hotel.
"We are stuck and our children are terrified due to the constant sounds of explosions outside our hotel. We tried contacting the Indian embassy, Air Arabia, and Sharjah airport, but received no response. We urgently need help to get out," one family stated in the video. While Bawankule has made contact, evacuation efforts are still pending, adding to the distress.
Personal Stories Highlight Elderly Vulnerability
Among those stranded is former Nagpur University postgraduate mathematics professor KC Deshmukh, aged 66, and his wife, Manjusha, residents of Gayatri Nagar. They have been stuck in Dubai since February 28. Deshmukh recounted, "We landed on Feb 22 as part of a group tour. Soon after, the conflict escalated and flights were disrupted. Some flights to India resumed and a few tourists from our group were routed to Mumbai, but we are still waiting." He added that around 30 others from Nagpur are stranded with them, with many being elderly individuals from cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Deshmukh highlighted the financial burden, noting that some airlines are charging 3,000 dirhams (approximately Rs 80,000) per passenger. "Our tour operator booked us on an Air India flight, but we do not know the date. We are in no position to pay such high fares," he expressed, underscoring the economic strain faced by the stranded tourists.
Official Response and Helpline Activation
In response to the crisis, the district disaster management cell in Nagpur has issued a helpline for residents who traveled to Gulf countries and require assistance. Officials have confirmed information about 19 tourists—11 women and 8 men—currently stranded in Abu Dhabi (4), Bahrain (4), and Dubai (11), with tentative return schedules around March 8. Sources indicate that several among them have exhausted their funds while covering extended stays.
Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia Also Affected
Minority Commission chairman Pyare Khan reported receiving numerous calls and videos from pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. "At least 1,800 pilgrims taken by private operators for Umrah are affected. Most are not financially well-off and are worried about sustaining themselves during the waiting period. The government has initiated rescue efforts and they will be brought back soon," he assured, pointing to broader implications beyond tourism.
Emergency Contact Details for Assistance
For those seeking help, emergency contact details have been provided for various locations:
- Ramallah (Palestine): Phone: +970 592 916 418, Email: repoffice@mea.gov.in / cons.ramallah@mea.gov.in
- Doha (Qatar): Phone: +974 5564 7502, Email: cons.doha@mea.gov.in
- Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Phone: +966 11 488 4697, WhatsApp: +966 542 126 748, Toll Free: 800 247 1234, Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in
- Tel Aviv (Israel): Phone: +972 54 752 0711 / +972 54 242 8378, Email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in
- Tehran (Iran): Phone: +98 912 810 9115 / +98 912 810 9109 / +98 912 810 9102 / +98 993 217 9359
- Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates): Toll Free: 800 46342, WhatsApp: +971 543 090 571, Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in / ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in
- Kuwait City (Kuwait): Phone: +965 6550 1946, Email: community.kuwait@mea.gov.in
- Bahrain: Phone: +973 3941 8071
- Muscat (Oman): Toll Free: 800 71234, WhatsApp: +968 9828 2270, Email: cw.muscat@mea.gov.in / cons.muscat@mea.gov.in
- Jordan: Phone: +962 770 422 276
- Baghdad (Iraq): Phone: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770 444 4899, Website: eoibaghdad.gov.in, Email: cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in / cons1.baghdad@mea.gov.in / pol.baghdad@mea.gov.in
This situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to ensure the safe return of all stranded individuals amidst the geopolitical tensions in the region.
