Expressing grave concern over serious health hazards wrought by the now-banned endosulfan on State-owned cashew estates in the district, Governor P. Sathasivam has underscored the need to have heightened guard against mindless use of hazardous pesticides under the guise of enhancing agricultural production.
“Endosulfan has been banned in over 80 countries. We need to create awareness against reckless use of harmful pesticides. Agriculture research stations in north Kerala can come out with better alternatives so that farmers do not resort to such dangerous methods,” Mr. Sathasivam said.
He was addressing a public meeting after formally dedicating the first phase of a township with 36 houses for endosulfan victims constructed by the Sri Satya Sai Orphanage Trust’s Kerala chapter at Kattumadam, near Iriya, in Pullur-Periye panchayat here on Saturday.
Compensation
“While the State has sanctioned nearly ₹57 crore to disburse the third instalment of the NHRC-recommended compensation, it is seeking a grant of another ₹403 crore, indicating the gravity of the situation,” the Governor said. The Governor said he would take initiative to set up an extension counter of a nationalised bank near the township to facilitate cashless transactions.
He urged the trust to ensure round-the-clock water and electricity to the township, which also has a BUDS school, a holistic health centre, an open-air theatre, a 50,000-litre water tank, and a natural pond. The function was presided over by Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan.
