The Kerala High Court has taken significant action regarding the devastating landslides in Wayanad, which struck on July 30, resulting in the loss of 225 lives and displacing thousands of residents.
The court, led by Justices Jayasankaran Nambiar and VM Shyamkumar, has initiated a suo moto case to address the aftermath of the disaster. This move comes in response to media reports and a letter received by the court, and a hearing is scheduled to commence tomorrow.
The court's decision to take suo moto cognizance underscores its concern over not only the immediate impact of the landslides but also the broader issues of environmental management and disaster prevention.
The judges have directed the registry to consider legal measures to address factors such as illegal mining and flood management, which could contribute to such natural calamities. They have urged the government to explore potential legislative and regulatory changes to prevent future disasters.
This proactive approach reflects the High Court's recognition of the need for a comprehensive strategy to handle natural disasters. The court has called on the Advocate General to review existing legislation and regulations that pertain to environmental conservation and disaster management.
There is a particular emphasis on examining whether current rules are adequate or if they need to be repealed or revised to better protect ecologically sensitive areas.
In parallel with the court's actions, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the affected areas in Wayanad on August 10.
During a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan highlighted the state's request for the central government to declare the disaster as a national calamity. This declaration would potentially unlock additional resources and support for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Chief Minister also detailed the ongoing recovery operations, noting that post-mortem procedures have been completed for 420 bodies. Officially, 225 deaths have been confirmed, with 195 body parts found in various locations and undergoing DNA testing. The search and recovery operations are still in progress, with 178 bodies returned to their families and 233 burials conducted.
The establishment of a nine-member committee by the central government aims to assess the situation further and provide recommendations for assistance. The committee's visit and report are expected to play a crucial role in determining the scope and scale of support that will be provided to the affected communities.
Overall, both the Kerala High Court and the state government are taking critical steps to address the aftermath of the Wayanad landslides. The court's judicial review and the Prime Minister's forthcoming visit represent a concerted effort to manage the immediate impacts and prevent future occurrences. The combined efforts of the judiciary, government, and central authorities are geared towards ensuring effective disaster management and support for those affected by this tragic event.
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