SHIMLA: Dr. Laxmidhar Behera, the Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, finds himself embroiled in a storm of criticism following his recent statements regarding natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh.

Dr. Behera's comments, which have been widely criticized as unscientific and insensitive, have ignited outrage among students, faculty, and the public.

in a letter addressed to the IIT Mandi director and annexed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, which was released to the media here today,  CPIM general secretary Dr Onkar Shad has demanded that Dr Behera should either quit his post or he should tender an unconditional apology to the people of Himachal Pradesh.    

The controversy stems from Dr. Behera's remarks to students at IIT Mandi, where he reportedly urged them to take a pledge not to eat meat, claiming that incidents of landslides and cloud bursts in Himachal Pradesh are a result of cruelty to animals.

CPIM stated Director went on to state that such acts were deteriorating the state's environmental conditions.

These remarks, published in leading newspapers and news portals, have drawn severe backlash for their lack of scientific basis and for what many perceive as an attempt to impose personal beliefs on students.

Critics argue that Dr. Behera failed to address the crucial factors contributing to natural disasters in the region, such as climate change, excessive hill cutting for road expansion, the impact of hydroelectric dams, and unplanned urbanization in hill towns.

Furthermore, his comments have been seen as an insult to the cultural values and dietary habits of the people of Himachal Pradesh, who have been consuming meat for generations.

The controversy has also raised questions about the allocation of public funds to IIT Mandi for ongoing scientific research on natural disasters.

Various funding agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology (GOI), ISRO, and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), have supported research projects at the institute related to earthquake-induced landslides and monsoon variability.

Critics are now calling into question the allocation of these funds in light of Dr. Behera's unscientific views.

The CPI(M) has taken a strong stance on the matter, demanding that Dr. Behera issue an immediate and unconditional apology to the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Additionally, they have called for his resignation as the Director of IIT Mandi, citing concerns about the damage his unscientific leadership may cause to the institution's reputation and mission.

The controversy has sent shockwaves through the academic community and highlights the importance of scientific rigor and sensitivity when addressing complex issues such as natural disasters and environmental conservation.

It remains to be seen how Dr. Behera and IIT Mandi will respond to these calls for accountability and rectification. They have remained mum on this so far which has damaged their credibility and damaging the IIT Mandi's reputation in this scientific age.