Neglect and Mining Lead to Devastating Landslides in Wayanad: Minister Yadav Speaks Out

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav blamed the Kerala government for allowing illegal mining and habitat expansion in ecologically fragile regions, leading to landslides in Wayanad. The minister highlighted the unreleased notifications for designating Western Ghats as eco-sensitive. Scientists linked the disaster to forest cover loss, mining, and climate change.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has accused the Kerala government of permitting illegal human habitat expansion and mining in the state's ecologically fragile regions. These actions, he asserts, have culminated in the catastrophic landslides that recently struck Wayanad district.

Speaking to the press, Yadav lambasted the state for overlooking critical environmental aspects, including soil topography, rock conditions, and vegetation structure. He emphasized that the Western Ghats, akin to the Himalayas, are extremely sensitive and require stringent protective measures.

Yadav further revealed that despite six draft notifications since 2014 to declare substantial areas of the Western Ghats eco-sensitive, the final approval is pending due to state-level objections. An expert panel established last year is currently working towards a resolution, engaging with both state officials and local stakeholders.