Maharashtra launches Sahayata Gulf Portal to register stranded citizens in conflict-hit West Asia

A plume of smoke rises over buildings in Doha on March 5, 2026. PIC/AFP

The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) has launched an online Emergency Evacuation Registration Portal to assist citizens from the state who are currently stranded in conflict-affected regions of West Asia.

The portal, accessible at https://geospatial.mahaseoc.in/Sahayata_gulf/, is named Sahayata Gulf and is operated under the Maharashtra State Emergency Operation Center. It enables residents of Maharashtra requiring evacuation support amid the ongoing regional tensions - including airspace disruptions and hostilities to register their details promptly for assistance and coordination.

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The initiative comes as escalating conflict in West Asia, particularly involving airspace closures and flight suspensions in countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, and others, has left many Indians - including workers, students, and families - stranded and facing uncertainty. The Central government, through the Ministry of External Affairs, is leading nationwide repatriation efforts with dedicated control rooms, helplines, and special flights.

Maharashtra is extending state-level support by facilitating registrations and coordinating with affected individuals.

The Sahayata Gulf portal features a user-friendly registration form divided into key sections:

Personal details

Contact details

Address details in Maharashtra

Current location (with an option to fetch GPS location)

Visa details

Evacuation readiness.

Users can submit their emergency request directly through a ‘Submit Emergency Request' button after filling in the required information.

This portal aims to help authorities compile accurate data on stranded Maharashtra citizens, prioritise evacuation based on urgency, and liaise effectively with central agencies and Indian missions abroad.

Citizens from Maharashtra stranded in West Asia can visit the portal and register to ensure their inclusion in evacuation plans. For further updates, they can refer to official MSDMA channels or contact state helplines.