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Title: Need to ban the production and use of Endosulfan, a pesticide affecting human health in the country.
SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL (ALAPPUZHA): Endosulfan is a deadly pesticide which is produced and used in India. But seventy-three countries have phased out or banned this insecticide and many other countries are on the way to ban it. But it is unfortunate that India opposed the ban citing economic losses at the sixth meeting of Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee to the Stockholm Convention. Kerala is a largely affected state by use of Endosulfan as it is causing distress among people of Kasargod district as this pesticide is being used in the Government owned plantations through aerial spraying. A large number of natives of Kasargod and southern bordering parts of Karnataka are severely affected by physical deformities, disorders of the central nervous system, psychiatric problems, mental retardation, cerebral and genetically abnormalities and cancer due to Endosulfan. The appointment of a new head of a six member central team to study the environmental problems created by Endosulfan gave favourable report on Endosulfan earlier which invited wide criticism. In 2004, a committee headed by the same person recommended to continue the use of Endosulfan after re-analyzing the report by O. P. Dubey Committee. He submitted the report underlining the opinion of Dubey Committee and the pesticide company representatives. Dubey Committee also submitted a favourable report for using the pesticide. Now, the public outrage is high, but the Government has appointed the same person to re-analyze the problem. So, I request the Government that the appointment may be re-examined and instead a new committee may be appointed which will be capable to enquire facts without any injustice. I also, request the Government that this deadly pesticide should be banned with immediate effect as it is a chlorinated insecticide that is chemically similar to DDT which was banned nearly 40 years ago and negatively affected environment, human beings and wildlife.