'Wayanad landslides happened because of cow slaughter': BJP leader
What's the story
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gyandev Ahuja has stirred controversy by associating the recent landslides in Wayanad with cow slaughter practices in Kerala.
The former Rajasthan MLA suggested that such disasters are likely to continue in areas where cows are slaughtered.
"Since 2018, we have observed a pattern where areas involved in cow slaughter face such tragic incidents," Ahuja said.
He cautioned that similar calamities would keep happening unless the practice is stopped.
Devastating impact
Wayanad landslides: A tragic aftermath of natural disasters
Ahuja pointed out that while natural calamities like cloudbursts and landslides frequently occur in regions such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, they do not lead to disasters of this scale.
A series of landslides struck villages in Wayanad, including Mundakai, Churalamala, and Meppadi on July 30.
The death toll has climbed to 358 since then, as rescue teams race against time, employing deep search radars to locate survivors trapped under debris and in collapsed houses.
Relief operations
Rescue efforts and rehabilitation in landslide-hit Wayanad
According to state revenue minister K Rajan, over 1,600 rescue workers, including personnel from the Army, Navy, NDRF, police, Fire and Rescue services among others are involved in rescue operations in the landslide-affected region.
A total of 206 people remain missing due to large boulders and logs deposited in residential areas by the landslides.
On Saturday, actor Mohanlal, also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, has pledged ₹3 crore for rehabilitation efforts after visiting the disaster zone.
Rescue efforts
Massive rescue operations underway in landslide-hit Wayanad
Meanwhile, the Centre has issued a new draft notice declaring approximately 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats spanning six states, including 13 villages in Wayanad, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), inviting recommendations and objections within 60 days.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Wayanad on Saturday and Sunday.
The district is expected to receive rain until August 6.