‘Our issue is not scientists doing research fast or talking too much to the media’

The chief minister intervened and withdrew the order of Tinku Biswal, revenue principal secretary, to take prior permission for study and visit to Meppadi Panchayat, a disaster-affected area. Disaster management expert Muralee Thummarukudy has thanked the chief minister on the issue.

He clarified that our problem is not scientists doing research too quickly or talking too much to the media, real scientists are afraid to talk to the media and scientific studies are only available after years.

His FB post
Thank you very much Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

A correct direction, one giving happiness, expected

Exemplary disaster management is underway. Meanwhile, there was no need for such a restriction.

Our problem is not that our scientists are researching too fast or talking too much to the media. Its that real scientists are afraid to talk to the media and scientific studies only happen years later.

Scientists in government systems should be trained to speak to the media in such situations and reserve a role for research in disaster relief spending. Post-disaster reconstructions should be in the light of what is learned from this disaster.

Thanks again to the chief minister for his quick intervention in this matter.

Muralee Thummarukudi