Wayanad Landslide Tragedy- Minister Accuses Government
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, a key figure in the relief efforts, has accused the Kerala government of allowing illegal habitation and mining, which he claims led to the devastating landslide in Wayanad on July 30. In a statement to PTI, Yadav said, “The number one reason for the landslide was habitation. Number two was illegal mining with the protection of the local government, and it’s very shameful.”
Lack of Cooperation with Eco-Sensitive Zone Committee
Yadav emphasized that the Union government had asked Kerala to submit objections and suggestions to its committee, headed by former director-general for forests Sanjay Kumar, to delineate eco-sensitive zones. He alleged that the Kerala government was not cooperating with the committee. The Environment Ministry has issued six draft notifications since March 2014 to declare over 56,800 square kilometers of the Western Ghats as eco-sensitive. However, the final notification is still pending amid objections from states.
Migrant Workers Donate Wages to Relief Fund
A group of migrant workers in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, working in fish stalls, made a selfless and inspiring gesture. They donated their one-day salary to the Chief Minister Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to help those affected by the landslide tragedy. Husain Ali and Indeswr Sonowal, two migrant workers, handed over the one-day wages of 13 workers to the Pathanamthitta district administration’s financial officer.
A Heartfelt Gesture from Assam Workers
Husain Ali and Indeswr Sonowal, who have worked in Kerala for the past ten years, felt responsible for helping during the disaster. Indeswr, known as Babu, said, “It is so difficult to watch the channels. We felt unfortunate after knowing what was happening in Wayanad. So we discussed it among ourselves and decided to give our one-day salary.”
Community Support in Times of Crisis
The migrant workers, hailing from Assam and working in three fish stalls, demonstrated a strong sense of community and compassion. They decided to contribute, believing that even a small amount could help those who lost everything. They asked their manager about the CMDR fund and chose to donate. Rajeev, the owner of one of the fish stalls, accompanied them to the District Collector’s office.
Massive Loss and Ongoing Relief Efforts
The landslide on July 30 claimed over 250 lives, with more than 200 individuals still missing in Meppadi panchayat. Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat are the worst-affected areas. The disaster has also severely impacted the local economy, with many losing livelihoods. Around 9,328 displaced persons are currently housed in 91 relief camps in the district.
Calls for Donations to Rebuild
The Kerala government has been receiving donations from across the country, with many people, including celebrities, urging global support to rebuild a village destroyed by consecutive landslides. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan have also requested contributions to the CMRDF.
