Wayanad Landslides: Kerala Govt criticized for gag order on Scientists; CM Vijayan withdraws It

The Kerala government has faced criticism after it reportedly asked scientific institutions to avoid visiting and commenting on the Wayanad landslides. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration of attempting to suppress information about the disaster.

On Thursday night, Vijayan clarified that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) did not issue an order restricting scientific institutions. He instructed Chief Secretary V Venu to withdraw the controversial note that had been sent out.

Earlier, the note from the State Relief Commissioner, Tinku Biswal, advised science and technology institutions to refrain from field visits to Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad and from sharing their findings with the media. It also stated that permission from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) was needed for any studies in the disaster area.

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BJP criticism and Government response

BJP leaders criticized the Kerala government for this note. MP Tejasvi Surya accused the government of censorship and claimed it was trying to cover up negligence related to the landslides. Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar also condemned the order, calling it hypocritical and deceptive.

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The landslides in Wayanad on Tuesday resulted in at least 190 deaths, with nearly 200 people still missing. Amid the backlash, Vijayan reassured the public that there is no policy to silence the scientific community. The chief secretary has been asked to address the situation and withdraw the earlier communication.