Kerala CM orders retraction of controversial notice limiting scientists’ comments on landslides

Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has directed Chief Secretary V Venu to revoke the “Controversial Notice Limiting Scientists” issued by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Thursday. This notice had sparked significant controversy by prohibiting the state’s science and technology institutions from sharing research findings and opinions with the media in response to the severe landslide conditions affecting Kerala.

Details of the Controversial Notice

The “Controversial Notice Limiting Scientists” was released amid the devastating landslides that struck Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday, resulting in significant casualties and damage. The notice, drafted by Tinku Biswal, the principal secretary for disaster management and state relief commissioner, instructed science and technology institutions to refrain from conducting field trips to the affected Meppadi panchayat and advised against sharing research findings and comments with the media.

The directive emphasized that any research or fieldwork in the disaster-affected areas required prior authorization from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). The intention behind this notice was to prevent statements and opinions from the scientific community that could be misinterpreted or misquoted, potentially causing panic and confusion among the public during this sensitive period.

However, this directive was met with immediate backlash from Kerala’s scientific community, who felt that it hindered the vital flow of information necessary for effective disaster management and public awareness. The restriction was seen as an attempt to stifle transparency and limit the dissemination of crucial scientific insights during a critical time.

Chief Minister’s Response and Reversal of the Notice

In response to the controversy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified on Thursday night that reports suggesting the SDMA had prohibited scientists from visiting the disaster site and sharing their thoughts were inaccurate. He asserted that the Chief Secretary had been instructed to withdraw the “Controversial Notice Limiting Scientists” to address the concerns raised.

“The chief secretary has been directed to immediately intervene and withdraw the communication that conveyed such a message,” Vijayan said. This intervention aims to restore the ability of scientific institutions to conduct their research and communicate their findings without undue restrictions, thus ensuring that valuable insights are available to both the public and the media.

The Chief Secretary of Kerala later emphasized that the intention behind the notice was not to inhibit the scientific community but to prevent the potential misinterpretation of statements that could lead to unnecessary alarm. The clarification aimed to address the criticisms and reaffirm the state’s commitment to transparency and collaboration during the ongoing crisis.

Impact

The revocation of the “Controversial Notice Limiting Scientists” marks a significant step towards ensuring that scientific research and insights are shared openly, which is crucial for effective disaster response and management. The notice had sparked a heated debate about the balance between managing public communication and maintaining transparency, highlighting the need for clear and open dialogue during emergencies.

The massive landslides that struck Wayanad on Tuesday morning, resulting in at least 291 deaths and numerous injuries, have underscored the importance of timely and accurate information in managing disaster situations. The decision to withdraw the notice reflects a commitment to improving communication channels and supporting the scientific community’s role in providing essential data and recommendations.

Moving forward, the Kerala government will need to ensure that measures are in place to facilitate effective information sharing while preventing the potential for misinformation. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in managing public communication during crises and the vital role that transparency and collaboration play in disaster management.

In conclusion, the revocation of the “Controversial Notice Limiting Scientists” is a positive development that underscores the importance of maintaining an open flow of information during critical times. The response from the Kerala government reflects a recognition of the value of scientific input and the need for effective communication in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the landslides in Wayanad.

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