What is worse, Congress's Union Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas has sought to subvert scientific studies, saying they have so far not established any link between Endosulfan and the misery of the people of Kasaragod. Mr Thomas conveniently ignores the fact that many of the findings of studies conducted in Kasaragod have been cited by many of the more than 60 countries that have banned the manufacture, import and use of Endosulfan. Research has shown that Endosulfan acts as a neurotoxic compound in human beings and also has an adverse impact on fish and other animals that are part of the food chain. The US Environmental Protection Agency, which earlier allowed restricted use of Endosulfan on tomatoes, cotton and other crops, has stopped all uses of this pesticide in June this year, citing health risks for farm workers and wildlife. Yet, the Government of India refuses to act against this death and disease causing chemical which continues to claim a heavy toll in Kerala, impacting the environment, biodiversity and people. Read the full report here.
Source: The Pioneer, New Delhi.
