Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday responded strongly to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav’s comments regarding “unauthorized human settlements and illegal mining” in landslide-hit areas of Wayanad. Vijayan described Yadav’s remarks as ‘reprehensible’ and ‘false.’
On Monday, Yadav had blamed the Kerala government for permitting ‘illegal human habitat expansion and mining’ in the ecologically sensitive region. He claimed these activities led to the devastating landslides on July 30, which resulted in the deaths of over 220 people, making it the worst monsoon disaster in Kerala since the 2018 floods.
At a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister Vijayan criticized Yadav’s statements, saying, “By making such allegations, the minister is insulting the people affected by the disaster. Who are these so-called unauthorized settlers? Are they the estate workers who died in the landslide? Or the ordinary people who lived on their small plots of land? Anyone with even a basic understanding of Kerala’s hilly regions knows that the people living there cannot be labeled as unauthorized settlers.”
Reprehensible Allegations
The chief minister emphasized that during a time requiring deep contemplation and collective efforts, some are exploiting the situation for narrow interests. “It is particularly concerning when those entrusted with informing the public are the ones spreading false information,” said CM Vijayan.
Migration to Kerala’s hilly regions has a history spanning centuries, Vijayan highlighted, making it inappropriate for the Union minister to partake in propaganda that labels these people as encroachers without understanding this history.
Countering Claims of Illegal Mining
CM Vijayan also refuted Yadav’s claim of ‘illegal mining,’ asserting that the nearest quarry to the landslide area is 10.2 kilometers away. “Why is the Union Minister spreading false information?”the CM questioned. Vijayan cited media reports suggesting that the Centre is pressuring scientists to write articles and express opinions critical of the state government in the context of the landslide. These efforts, he claimed, have reportedly been made through the Press Information Bureau.
“When combined with the Union Minister’s recent statement, these media reports seem believable,” the Chief Minister claimed. “Those involved should think about who they are trying to hurt with these paid articles.”
Historical Context of Settlements
Vijayan emphasized the historical context of settlements in Kerala’s hilly regions. He explained that migration to these areas has been ongoing for centuries, driven by the search for arable land and opportunities. The CM argued that labeling these long-standing communities as unauthorized settlers is a distortion of history and a grave injustice to the people who have made these regions their home.
No Evidence of Illegal Mining
Addressing the allegations of illegal mining, Vijayan pointed out that there is no evidence to support such claims in the affected areas. He stated that Mundakkai, one of the villages most impacted by the July 30 landslides, is an area where the environment is ‘seriously cared for’ and ‘no illegal mining occurs there’. He labeled the allegations about ‘illegal mining’ as ‘politically motivated.’
Rescue Efforts Continue
Meanwhile, rescue operations continued on Tuesday in the villages of Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and others in Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad. Search and rescue agencies are tirelessly working to locate and recover the remains of those who perished in the landslides. The tragic event has left many families in mourning and has prompted a significant humanitarian response from both the state and central governments.
Political Reactions
The political fallout from the disaster and the subsequent blame game between the state and central governments has sparked widespread debate. Various political leaders and environmental activists have weighed in, calling for a more collaborative and less adversarial approach to addressing the root causes of such natural disasters. There is a growing consensus that more focus should be placed on sustainable development practices and better disaster management strategies.
Future Steps for Prevention
In light of the disaster, experts are calling for comprehensive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. This includes stricter regulations on land use in ecologically sensitive areas, better early warning systems for landslides, and more robust infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. The state government has pledged to take these recommendations seriously and work towards enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities.
The aftermath of the Wayanad landslide serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for sustainable and inclusive development policies that prioritize both human safety and environmental conservation. As Kerala continues to recover from this tragedy, the focus must remain on rebuilding lives and communities while ensuring that such a disaster does not recur.
1 Comment
Pingback: Wayanad Landslides: PM Modi to visit on Saturday - Indo-Pacific Times