Spraying of pesticide Endosulfan in Kerala<br>

(Case No.477/11/6/2010)
Concerned over the severe health hazards of the aerial spraying of Endosulfan in the District of Kasaragod in Kerala, NHRC recently sent a team to the affected area to ascertain the situation. It also took into account the findings of the National Institute of Occupational Health on Endosulfan which came following an earlier intervention by the Commission on the issue in 2001. Thereafter, the Commission on the 31st December, 2010 made the following recommendations to the Government of India:
? The Government to take administrative and legislative action to ban the use of Endosulfan.
? Conduct a nation-wide survey of populations that have been affected by the use of Endosulfan, particularly sprayed from the air, to determine the scope of relief and rehabilitation that may be needed.
? Supplement the efforts of the Government of Kerala (and of other State Governments where victims of Endosulfan use are found) in the provision of relief and long-term rehabilitation; and
? Join the international consensus at the next meeting in April, 2011 of the State Parties of the Stockholm Convention and permit the listing of Endosulfan as an Annex A chemical.
? As the victims are in large number about six thousand in small locality of eleven villages namely Kayyur-Cheemeni, Ajanur, Pullur-Periya, Kallar, Panathady, Muliyar, Karadka, Kumbadje, Badiadka, Bellur and Enmakaje, a Centrally Sponsored Palliative Care Centre/Hospital should be established for Kasaragod District and sufficient and effective ambulance services be provided to all physically handicapped or mentally retarded victims with adequate and trained staff. State Government should render all help to establish the said Palliative Care Centre/Hospital.
To the Government of Kerala, the Commission recommended that:
? The State should pay at least rupees five lakhs to the next of kin of those who died and to those who were fully bed ridden/unable to move without help or mentally retarded and rupees three lakhs to those who have got other disability. A panel of doctors may assess the extent of physical disability to classify the categories of victims. The Union of India shall give adequate financial help to the State Government.
? Conduct a survey of other populations that might also have been affected by the use of Endosulfan including in Palakkad where there are reports of similar problems faced by villagers.
? Increase the quantum of relief and rehabilitation for victims and their families, and ensure that it is paid regularly and in full.
? Improve the facilities for diagnosis, treatment and therapy available at hospitals and health centres that tend to the victims, while ensuring that at least one of them is equipped and staffed to offer advanced care and all Primary Health Centres in the eleven villages which are seriously affected may be upgraded to Community Health Centres.