WAYANAD, Kerala: The Kerala government has lifted its restrictions on scientists conducting studies or voicing their opinions on the Wayanad landslides, following backlash received for imposing the gag order on August 1, 2024.
The order directed the scientific community to restrain themselves from sharing their opinions and study reports with the media.
V Venu, Chief Secretary of Kerala, clarified that the intention was to discourage statements that could be misinterpreted or misquoted.
“This advisory was not issued with the intent to restrain the scientific community of the state from conducting studies and providing insights. The objective was to discourage statements and opinions by persons belonging to scientific institutions of the state, that may be misinterpreted or misquoted to create panic and confusion among the public, particularly during this sensitive time,” Venu stated.
He further mentioned that it is more important to focus on rescue, recovery, and rehabilitation rather than spreading misinformation and creating panic among the people.
He added that the order had been withdrawn with immediate effect.