Spraying of banned pesticide, Endosulfan in Kerala<br> (Case No. 477/11/6/2010)<br>

The Commission took suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that aerial spraying of Endosulfan, a pesticide banned in Kerala since 2005, continues to be used even now, and it is causing various diseases to the poor villagers of Northern Kasargod. The report also alleged that this pesticide attacks even the neo-natal babies, and that India is the world's largest consumer of Endosulfan at a time when even less advanced countries banned it long ago.
The Commission on the 18th November, 2010 observed that the contents of the report, if true, raise serious issue of human rights violation of the people and issued notices to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt. of India, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India and the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala calling for their report in the matter.