Bengaluru: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East and widespread airspace closures, the Karnataka government has launched 24x7 Emergency Operations Centres at both the state and district levels to assist affected residents.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said several countries have issued NOTAMs, Notices to Airmen, restricting air traffic operations due to the prevailing security situation. As per the latest advisory issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airspace over Iran, Israel, Lebanon, parts of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar has been closed until March 2, severely affecting international flight schedules.
Passengers Stranded, Emergency Centres Activated
The disruption has left a significant number of passengers from Karnataka stranded in various Middle Eastern nations, particularly in the UAE. Following directions from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior officials, the State Emergency Operations Centre, SEOC, and all District Emergency Operations Centres, DEOCs, have been fully activated.
“These centres are functioning round-the-clock to monitor developments and extend necessary assistance,” Gowda said, adding that updates issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassies are being regularly reviewed and circulated.
The Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi has also been mobilised under the supervision of the Karnataka Resident Commissioner to ensure coordination with the Centre. Embassy and consulate helpline numbers, along with official advisories, have been shared with all district headquarters and widely disseminated through official communication channels.
Coordination With MEA and Rapid Response Cell
Officials confirmed that the SEOC and the Office of the Karnataka Resident Commissioner are in close coordination with the Rapid Response Cell of the Ministry of External Affairs. Assistance requests received at state and district centres are being consolidated and forwarded for immediate action.
Kannadigas residing in the affected countries have been urged to strictly follow local government guidelines, contact Indian Embassies through designated helplines, and register on the Sarthi Sahayata and other official portals for support.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured that the situation is under constant review and further measures will be implemented based on developments.
