(a) whether there has been a possibility of attacks by Maoists on Mansarovar pilgrims;
(b) if so, the details of the information received by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether pilgrims to Mansarovar are also subjected to landslides and cloud-bursts; and
(d) if so, the precautionary measures taken by the Government for the safety of pilgrims?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a): There are no specific reports in this regard.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): The route of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is mountainous over high altitudes and there is a threat of natural disasters such as landslides, cloud bursts and heavy snows etc at places along the route.
(d): The precautionary measures taken by the Government for smooth conduct of the Yatra inter-alia include earmarking of disaster management teams at each location enroute, briefing of the troops from time to time for the safety of the yatris, placing of route operating parties, regular patrolling at Sita Bridge and other sensitive locations and providing armed escorts and medical officers to each batch of yatris etc.