Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, highlighted the “underrated capabilities” of tractors, noting that they can navigate rough terrain and perform as well as SUVs. Both types of vehicles played a crucial role in rescuing people during the Wayanad landslides.
On Thursday, Anand Mahindra took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his thoughts: “Humble tractors don’t receive as much recognition as SUVs for the work they both do during disasters.”
He continued, “That’s why I’m pleased to see this news from the Wayanad floods. Our team works diligently to create products, knowing they might not only be used for plowing fields but also, at times, for saving lives.”
The Wayanad landslides, which occurred on July 30 this year due to relentless rainfall, resulted in the loss of over 400 lives and displaced many others. It was one of India’s most devastating natural disasters this year, severely affecting the areas of Chooralmala, Muthanga, and Mundakkai in Kerala’s Wayanad district.
Anand Mahindra’s post garnered strong reactions from netizens. One user praised the Mahindra team, saying, “Your tractors and the hard work of your team during the Wayanad floods have once again shown that their value extends beyond plowing fields—they’re also crucial in saving lives during emergencies.”
Another user commented, “Using those massive tractors for disaster management could be a game-changer. They’re built like tanks and can handle situations where regular vehicles fail.” A third user remarked, “Mahindra Tractors are the unsung heroes, stepping up when it matters most.”
A fourth user added, “People would have never thought that a small Mahindra tractor would play such a vital role in remote mobility.” He continued, “When we need to build houses and require building materials, these tractors are just a call away and can transport materials to places where larger vehicles can’t even enter.”
On August 14, the Kerala cabinet subcommittee announced that ₹10,000 in financial assistance had been provided to 379 families affected by the landslides, according to ANI. A study revealed that human-caused climate change contributed to the intense rainfall, which was approximately 10 percent heavier than usual. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) described the Wayanad landslides as a “once in a 50-year event.”
