Wayanad (Kerala) [India], August 2 (HBTV): The Kerala government has withdrawn its gag order restraining scientists from conducting studies or giving opinions on landslides in Wayanad after facing criticism. 

The gag order, issued on August 1, directed the scientific community to restrain themselves from sharing their opinions and study reports with the media. 

Kerala Chief Secretary V Venu, in a note, issued clarification regarding the order stating that the objective was to discourage statements that may be misinterpreted or misquoted. 

"This advisory was not issued with an 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," the Chief Secretary said in a post on Facebook on Thursday. 

The post mentioned that it is important that the immediate "focus on rescue, recovery and rehabilitation is not lost and that widespread panic and paranoia are not generated on account of misinterpretation of statements or opinions made, detracting from the humanitarian work at hand."

The chief secretary said the order has been withdrawn with immediate effect. 

Earlier, the chief minister's office had clarified that the state government does not have such a policy. A CMO statement called ‘misleading’ the news that the State Disaster Management Authority had instructed scientific and technological institutes and scientists not to visit and comment on Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad as it has been declared a disaster area. 

(ANI)