On Monday, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav laid significant blame on the Kerala government for the tragic landslides that struck Wayanad, resulting in the death of over 200 individuals. Yadav accused the Kerala administration of allowing illegal settlements, unregulated mining, and uncontrolled construction in the ecologically sensitive region, which he asserts contributed to the disaster.

Government Accusations and Environmental Clearance

In a press briefing, Yadav highlighted that the central government had not granted any new environmental clearances to Kerala for development projects over the past decade, except for one project that remains unstarted. He criticized the Kerala government for failing to manage environmental regulations effectively and for allowing activities that exacerbated the vulnerability of the region to landslides. The Union Minister emphasized that despite these issues, Kerala had approved three projects, including two granite stone quarries in Wayanad.

Yadav detailed that the relentless rains on July 30 caused two major landslides in Wayanad, with uncontrolled mining, illegal commercial activity, and haphazard construction being central causes of the disaster. He underscored the need for careful examination of the soil topography, rock conditions, and vegetation structure in fragile regions to prevent such calamities.

Kerala’s Response and Political Reactions

Kerala’s Forest Minister, AK Saseendran, vehemently rejected Yadav's statements, asserting that it was inappropriate to place blame at such a critical time. Saseendran expressed concern that the central government’s stance might be an attempt to avoid providing necessary financial assistance to Kerala. He accused the Union Minister of trying to shift blame rather than support the state, which has been pushing for the disaster to be recognized as a national emergency.

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Former chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, Madhav Gadgil, has called the disaster a “man-made tragedy,” attributing it to the Kerala government's failure to enforce essential ecological safeguards. Gadgil’s comments align with concerns that insufficient adherence to ecological recommendations played a significant role in the disaster.

Impact and Unanswered Queries

The tragic landslides in Wayanad have prompted widespread debate about the environmental practices and regulatory oversight in Kerala. While the state government grapples with the aftermath and seeks national disaster status, the central government's accusations add a layer of political tension to the situation. Emails sent to the Kerala Chief Minister's office, Secretary, and the state's information and public relations department requesting comments have yet to receive a response, leaving some questions about the state’s official stance and future actions unresolved.

As the situation unfolds, both state and central government officials continue to address the complex interplay of environmental management, disaster response, and political ramifications in the wake of the Wayanad tragedy.

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