The Anti-Endosulfan Campaign Committee has urged the Union government to ratify the Stockholm Convention recommendation for ‘elimination of production and use of Endosulfan.'
India's move to seek a five-year exemption was a matter of concern and the government must figure in the health hazards caused by the indiscriminate use of the pesticide in Kasaragod, committee chairman Narayanan Periya said at a press conference here on Saturday.
India's stance pointed to the ‘unholy nexus' between the authorities and the ‘pesticide lobby,' Mr. Periya said.
There is no scope for more studies. The committee will move the court seeking a ban on the aerial spraying of the pesticide by Plantation Corporation of Kerala Ltd. (PCKL). The committee had also asked the State government to set up an ‘empowered tribunal' to decide on the rehabilitation of victims, he said. The committee lauded Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan for his ‘unflinching support for the cause.' Mr. Achuthanandan should convene a meeting of Chief Ministers and Agriculture Ministers of all States to discuss the matter, Mr. Periya said.
The committee would launch the next phase of its agitation in May. A series of agitations would be launched in New Delhi by June, he said. The press conference was attended by committee convener P.V. Sudhir Kumar, office-bearers T.C. Madhava Panicker, Ambika Sudan Mangad, and Mahin Kelot.
