Kerala CM Denounces Union Minister's Claims on Landslide Causes

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's claims that illegal human habitat expansion and mining in the state caused landslides in Wayanad. Vijayan termed the accusations as false and disrespectful to the victims. The ongoing dispute intensifies amid rescue efforts in the landslide-hit area.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan fiercely contested Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's allegations that illegal human habitat expansion and mining in the state were behind the recent landslides in Wayanad. Vijayan described the comments as 'false allegations' and an insult to the victims of the disaster.

This confrontation marks the latest in a series of disputes between the Centre and the state. The row heats up as rescue operations continue in the devastated region, with armed forces, heavy machinery, drones, and Air Force helicopters deployed to search for survivors and recover bodies.

Vijayan insisted that people residing in Kerala's hilly regions cannot be labeled as unauthorised settlers, given their long history. He also dismissed claims of illegal mining causing the landslides, pointing out that the nearest quarry was over 10 kilometers away.