BJP Leader V Muraleedharan Criticizes Kerala Government Over Wayanad Landslides
BJP leader V Muraleedharan has criticized the Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for its handling of the recent landslides in Wayanad. These landslides have resulted in the deaths of over 160 people.
Warnings Ignored
Muraleedharan stated that the state government ignored warnings from the central government and disaster management authorities. Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned in Parliament that the state was warned as early as July 23 about the potential natural calamity due to heavy rains.
Muraleedharan added that many agencies had previously alerted the state about the possibility of landslides. In 2020, the Kerala disaster management authority advised relocating 4,000 families, but the state did not take action.
Illegal Constructions
Muraleedharan also pointed out that the affected area is ecologically sensitive and has over 300 illegal construction projects, which have not been removed.
Kerala CM’s Response
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan refuted Amit Shah’s claims, stating that the India Meteorological Department had only issued an orange alert. He mentioned that Wayanad received over 500 millimeters of rainfall, far exceeding predictions.
Rescue Operations
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Indian Army intensifying efforts. The Army has set up a Command and Control Centre in Kozhikode to coordinate rescue efforts.
Impact of Landslides
The landslides in Mundakkai and Chooralmala have caused extensive damage, including the destruction of houses and roads, uprooting of trees, and swelling of water bodies. Relief and rescue efforts are currently underway.
| Location | Deaths |
|---|---|
| Mundakkai | 167 |
| Chooralmala | 167 |
According to the Kerala Revenue Department, 167 people have died, and 96 victims have been identified. Rescue personnel have brought 219 individuals to hospitals, with 78 still receiving treatment.
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
V Muraleedharan -: V Muraleedharan is a leader from the BJP and currently serves as the Minister of State for External Affairs in India.
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India, known for its beautiful landscapes and backwaters.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in Kerala, famous for its hills and forests. It recently experienced severe landslides.
Landslides -: Landslides are when large amounts of earth, rocks, and debris slide down a slope, often caused by heavy rain.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala.
Pinarayi Vijayan -: Pinarayi Vijayan is the current Chief Minister of Kerala, belonging to the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
India Meteorological Department -: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the agency responsible for weather forecasting and monitoring in India.
Orange alert -: An orange alert is a warning issued by the IMD indicating that people should be prepared for severe weather conditions.
Indian Army -: The Indian Army is the land-based branch of India’s military forces, often involved in rescue and relief operations during disasters.