In response to the devastating landslides in Wayanad, the Kerala High Court has taken a significant step by initiating a suo motu case to investigate the incident. On Thursday, the court, led by a division bench consisting of Justice Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice VM Shyam Kumar, directed its registrar to register the case based on various media reports and a pivotal letter detailing the event.
Scheduled for a hearing on Friday morning, the court aims to delve into the factors contributing to the landslides, drawing on insights from the Gadgil and Kasturirangan committee reports. These reports are crucial in understanding the ecological impact and the triggers of such natural disasters in the region.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the grim statistics from the recent catastrophe. According to unofficial records, the landslides have claimed the lives of 413 individuals across regions such as Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Punchirimattam, and Attamala in Wayanad on July 30. Despite the passage of days, the search for the missing continues, with efforts now in their 10th day.
A specialized team comprising army and forest personnel has intensified the search in the Sunrise Valley at Soochippara, a particularly challenging area where victims are believed to be trapped between rocks. As of Wednesday, the official count of missing persons stands at 138, with 226 confirmed deaths. The Wayanad district administration reports that 192 body parts have been recovered from the affected areas and the Chaliyar river as of August 7.
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In addition to the ongoing search and recovery operations, the state government is focused on the temporary rehabilitation of landslide victims, ensuring they receive the necessary support during this critical time.
