Mumbai: States were advised by the Centre not to make arrangements on their own for the evacuation of residents of their respective states stuck in Gulf countries, as it could lead to chaos, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told the legislative council on Wednesday.Fadnavis said since the war broke out, air space was closed and several tourists and businessmen started getting in touch with the state govt, asking to be brought back.“The state govt immediately got in touch with the Centre, which in turn got in touch with the various Indian embassies. All efforts are being made to bring those stranded back. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, through his party, brought people back. The state govt discussed with the Centre, and we were informed that if all states do it, it would lead to chaos. The Centre is making arrangements and will carry out evacuation under its supervision,” he said, adding things will ease out in the next 2-3 days.Fadnavis said minister for disaster management Girish Mahajan was assigned the task of coordination, and a WhatsApp helpline was set up on which advisories are being circulated to assist stranded citizens. He said he posted it on his social media handle as well. He said the govt activated the Marathi Mandals in the Gulf countries to help those stranded.“While some air spaces remain closed due to security reasons, others reopened. Air India Express is gradually operating flights to bring passengers home. In Kuwait, transit passengers were facing difficulties as they had no visas. We spoke to the embassy officials there, and they brought them to a common location. MLA Mihir Kotecha arranged for free food in some place,” he said.Assuring the House, Fadnavis said the experience of the last 5-10 years shows that the PM is extremely sensitive, particularly in regard to students and tourists, and in the past he brought back students from a war zone. “If any of you received messages for help, please forward them to us. We will share them with the ministry of external affairs and get in touch with them,” he said.
