NEW DELHI: The Kerala government has imposed its gag order, issued earlier today, which barred scientists from visiting the landslide zone in Wayanad and sharing their findings with the media. The order, imposed by the Pinarayi Vijayan administration, was withdrawn with “immediate effect.”
The government clarified that the notification was not intended to prevent the scientific community from conducting studies or providing insights.
Instead, it aimed to “discourage statements and opinions from state scientific institutions that could be misinterpreted or misquoted, potentially causing panic and confusion among the public.”
The government further explained that the purpose of the notification was to ensure that focus remains on rescue, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts without generating unnecessary panic or paranoia.
The notification was deemed ineffective in conveying its intended message and was thus withdrawn. Rescue operations continue in the landslide-affected region of Wayanad, where over 300 people have been reported dead.
