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Big decision of Fadnavis government: Helpline started for people of Maharashtra stranded in isolated countries, Girish Mahajan made coordinator of rescue operation.
Samira Vishwas | March 3, 2026 6:24 PM CST

Amidst the tense situation arising in the Gulf countries, the Maharashtra government has taken quick and decisive steps and announced to start a special helpline service for the citizens of the state stranded there. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis He held a high-level meeting in this regard and directed the administration to immediately activate the support system. Along with this, the senior minister of the state is responsible for the entire rescue and coordination process. Girish Mahajan Has been handed over to.

The recent increase in conflict and instability in some of the breakaway countries of West Asia has created a serious situation for Indian citizens working there or visiting there for business, especially the people of Maharashtra. The return route has become difficult due to impact on flights at many places. In such a situation, the state government has taken initiative and assured its citizens that the government will take full responsibility for their life and safety.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in clear words that every citizen of the state is of paramount importance for the government. He has appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumors and contact the official helpline number. Through the help number issued by the government, citizens or their relatives can register the details of the stranded person, current location and necessary assistance. Based on this information, coordination will be established with the concerned Indian embassies and central agencies.

Seeing the seriousness of the situation, the Chief Minister called an emergency meeting, in which senior administrative officials, representatives of the Home Department and departments participated. It was decided in the meeting that regular contact would be maintained with the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs so that there is no hindrance in the relief and rescue operations.

Minister Girish Mahajan, who has been made the coordinator of the rescue operation, has been entrusted with the responsibility of this entire operation. They will be in constant communication with the Union Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassies and local administration. Apart from this, nodal officers are also being appointed at the district level, who will maintain direct contact with the affected families and convey the information to the state level. The objective of this system is that no citizen’s information or assistance request should be ignored.

The government has also informed that as soon as flight services become normal, a blueprint will be prepared for the safe return of stranded citizens in a phased manner. If needed, the possibility of special air service is also being explored. According to administrative sources, priority will be given to those citizens who are in critical condition, who have visa or residence issues or who lack basic resources.

Dubai-based Indians People’s Forum has also issued a helpline for assistance. Citizens in distress can contact this WhatsApp number +97150635435. The state government is making coordinated efforts with this forum and other social organizations, so that the relief work can be more effective and faster.

Chief Minister Fadnavis has also assured that continuous communication will be maintained with the families of the distressed citizens. The administration will share updated information about the situation from time to time so that an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear is not created among the families. He said that the state government stands with its citizens in every situation and all necessary resources will be made available to bring them back safely.

This step of the state government is being seen as human sensitivity and quick administrative response. This responsible attitude of the state towards its citizens in the time of crisis arising at the international level shows administrative commitment.

In the current circumstances, where Indians working abroad are facing challenging situations, this initiative of the Maharashtra Government gives a positive message that the Government is not limited to domestic issues only, but is ready to protect the safety and interests of the citizens of the state wherever they are.

Amidst the ongoing instability in the rest of the countries, this initiative is considered timely and far-sighted. Relief and rescue operations are expected to gain momentum in the coming days through helplines and coordination mechanisms. The administration has expressed confidence that with the joint efforts of the Central and State Governments, all the affected citizens will be brought back safely and their families will get relief.


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