First batch of stranded Indians reach Romania from Ukraine
New Delhi, Feb 25: The first batch of Indian nationals from Ukraine reached Romania on Friday afternoon after crossing the Suceava border post, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Officials said more Indians in small groups are expected to reach Romania through the border crossing.
"The first batch of evacuees from Ukraine reach Romania via Suceava border crossing. Our team at Suceava will now facilitate travel to Bucharest for their onward journey to India," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
In a tweet, he also shared visuals of the Indians transiting the border post.
Senior officials said Air India will operate two flights to the Romanian capital Bucharest on Friday to evacuate the Indians. More flights are likely to operate over the next few days.
The two Air India flights are expected to depart Bucharest on Saturday.
India is trying to evacuate its nationals through Ukraine's land borders with Hungary, Poland, Slovakia after the Ukrainian government closed the country's airspace following the Russian military offensive.
Earlier, the Indian embassy in Ukraine said over 470 students will exit Ukraine and enter Romania through the Porubne-Siret border on Friday and that it is moving them to neighbouring countries for onward evacuation.
It said that the "massive evacuation" operation was organised through the joint efforts of Indian embassies in Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Hungary and that efforts are underway to relocate Indians coming in from the hinterland.
As India stepped up efforts to evacuate around 16,000 of its citizens, mostly students, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a phone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, discussed the predicament of the Indian nationals and appreciated his support for their safe return.
"Received call from Ukrainian FM @DmytroKuleba. He shared his assessment of the current situation.I emphasised that India supports diplomacy & dialogue as the way out," Jaishankar tweeted.
"Discussed predicament of Indian nationals, including students. Appreciate his support for their safe return," he added.
The first batch of evacuees from Ukraine reach Romania via Suceava border crossing.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 25, 2022
Our team at Suceava will now facilitate travel to Bucharest for their onward journey to India. pic.twitter.com/G8nz2jVHxD
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Deputy Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa conducts surprise inspections in Udupi, pulls up officials
Udupi: Deputy Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa carried out surprise inspections at multiple locations in Udupi early Friday morning and expressed dissatisfaction over shortcomings in maintenance and sanitation.
The inspection began at the wastewater treatment plant in Nittur, where Justice Veerappa observed what he described as serious lapses in its functioning. He questioned the concerned officials, including the Municipal Commissioner, over the alleged discharge of untreated wastewater into the sea.
“You, who receive Rs 3 lakh every month for the maintenance of the unit, are discharging the wastewater directly into the sea without treating it,” he said during the inspection. Officials from the Environment Department were also pulled up in connection with the matter.
The Deputy Lokayukta later visited Malpe Port to review sanitation conditions. He noted the presence of accumulated waste, sewage flow and foul smell in and around the port area, and directed the authorities to take immediate corrective steps to improve hygiene.
Justice Veerappa also inspected the KSRTC bus stand at Bannanje, including the cleanliness of the canteen premises. During the visit, women staff working at the canteen brought to his notice the absence of facilities such as ESI benefits. He directed the contractor to address the issue without delay and indicated that further action would be taken if compliance was not ensured.
