“Make every mother and Child count” says the theme slogan of the world Health day. But in Kasaragod every mother and child DO NOT COUNT, only ENDOSULFAN COUNTS!!!
The Endosulfan tragedy in Kasaragod in Kerala (India) has given us a jolt, again after Bhopal, etc and the struggle has gained momentum. This is a struggle not to merely eliminate a few pesticides but a struggle for survival, a struggle for peace and harmony and a struggle for the continuity of life on this earth.
Various reports and other features reveals that there has been an Endosulfan tragedy in Kasaragod. Endosulfan, a highly toxic organochlorine pesticide was sprayed in the cashew plantations in Kasaragod District since 1976, till 2001 regularly three times every year. The aerial spraying of Endosulfan was allegedly undertaken to contain the menace of the tea mosquito bug. The intensive use of Endosulfan results in a chemical disaster (similar to the case of Bhopal gas leak disaster – http://www.bhopal.net/, http//www.bhopal.org/)
Just after three years, the ill effects of Endosulfan spraying came to notice. As early as 1979, stunted growth and deformed limbs were noticed among new born calves. By 1990s health disorders of very serious nature among the human population came to the lime light. Children were found to be the worst affected with congenital anomalies, mental retardation, physical deformities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hydrocephalus etc. Men and women were also affected with various chronic ailments, many irreversible and difficult to treat. There is a high incidence of disorders of the central nerves system, Cancer and reproductive disorders. The National Institute Occupational Health (Indian Council of Medical Research) says that after studying various aetiological factors responsible for health problem was aerial spraying of Endosulfan.
It is really painful to watch these photographs if you are born with heart and brain..........
..................And still the Government of India says
ENDOSULFAN does not pose any threat. What a pity!!
Centre's double stance on endosulfan
Kasargod endosulfan victims allege that the officials are showing lack of interest in conducting the relief projects.
Officials say the every year the Endosulfan victims list has been revised, but in Kasargod there are many who are still waiting for a help from government.
The victims of Endosulfan insecticide are still living under poverty. The compensation provided by government is not even enough for treatments.
A consensus arrived at the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on Friday(29 April, 2011) agreed for a gradual global ban on endosulfan.
ReplyDeleteIndia and a few developing nations has been given several exemptions, including a phase out period of 11 years to implement the ban on production and use of the toxic pesticide.
So the battle has just begun. Its time for us to pressurize the central govt to bring out total ban as early as possible.
Dont forget about the persons suffering from different ailments. Adequate compensation & rehabilitation packages should be implemented by the state & central govts quickly.
Scientific Steps should also be taken to remove the traces of endosulfan from the soil & surrounding of the plantation to safeguard the generations.
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING..! THERE IS A LONG WAY TO GO..!