Kerala CM Steps in to Quash Controversial SDMA Directive

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the Chief Secretary to withdraw a controversial SDMA note that barred science and technology institutions from sharing insights on deadly Wayanad landslides. Vijayan clarified the state does not have such a policy, amid protests from the scientific community.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed Chief Secretary V Venu to rescind a contentious note from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). This note had restricted science and technology institutions from sharing their analyses and opinions regarding the recent lethal landslides in Wayanad with the media.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, Vijayan clarified that the SDMA's directive, which allegedly prevented scientific organizations and experts from visiting the disaster-hit Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad and speaking out, was misleading. He asserted that the state government does not endorse such a policy.

Earlier, the state's scientific community had vocally opposed the directive by State Relief Commissioner Tinku Biswal, which required prior permission for any studies in the landslide-affected region. Tuesday's catastrophic landslides in Wayanad had claimed at least 190 lives and left many injured.