New Delhi:Search and rescue operations are continuing for the seventh consecutive day after the Wayanad landslide tragedy in Kerala. The death toll is continuously increasing since the landslide. The death toll in the accident has risen to 387 and 180 people are still missing.

Meanwhile, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav attacked the state's Pinarayi Vijayan government, accusing it of encouraging illegal mining and illegal conservation. He said that the Kerala government should make plans for eco-sensitive zones. He said that illegal human habitation and illegal mining are going on under the protection of the Kerala government.

The minister surrounded the Pinarayi Vijayan government

Minister Bhupendra Yadav attacked the state's Pinarayi Vijayan government, accusing it of encouraging illegal mining and illegal conservation. "This is illegal conservation by local leaders for people to live. Even in the name of tourism, they are not creating proper areas. They have allowed encroachment on this area. This is a highly sensitive area," he said.

Illegal mining activity is ongoing in the preserve

The Union Environment Minister further said, "We have already constituted a committee under the chairmanship of former Director General of Forests Sanjay Kumar. He has also corresponded with the Kerala government. We feel that it is the fault of the state government. Illegal human habitation and illegal mining activity is going on under the protection of the local government."

Government should make a plan for eco-sensitive zone

He said, "The state government should make a plan for the eco-sensitive zone. The Kerala government should submit its report to the committee headed by former Director General of Forests Sanjay Kumar."

Illegal settlement and mining should not be done

Bhupendra Yadav said that illegal housing and mining should not be done in the eco-sensitive zone. He said, "We have suffered due to illegal housing and mining. We have formed a committee for the Ecosensitive Zone. For a long time, the state government has been avoiding the committee, which they should not do."