Question : KAILASH MANASAROVAR YATRA

(a) the number of pilgrims who applied for Manasarovar Yatra, the number of pilgrims given permission and the number of pilgrims who actually proceeded for pilgrimage during the last three years, State-wise;

(b) the details of the facilities provided by the respective States and the Union Government to the pilgrims;

(c) the details of assistance provided by the Government in the wake of natural calamities or any other contingency alongwith the details of relief provided during the last three years; and

(d) the cooperation provided by the Government of China during Manasarovar Yatra ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) The lists giving details of pilgrims/Yatris who applied for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the number of pilgrims/Yatris who were granted permission to perform Yatra and the number of pilgrims/Yatris who actually proceeded for the Yatra during last three years are enclosed.

(b) to (d) Government of India is involved in providing transportation, accommodation, food, security and health facilities to pilgrims throughout the Yatra both in India and in China. The Yatra is organized in coordination with District Administration of Pithoragarh, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and Chinese authorities on self-payment basis. Delhi Government also provides some assistance to the pilgrims during their stay in Delhi. MEA appoints a Liaison Officer for each batch. In case of any emergency, air-lift of pilgrims by Indian Air Force helicopters are also arranged on self-payment basis. MEA remains in regular contact with Chinese authorities regarding the smooth conduct of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.