Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang Fundkar today admitted that there was a failure on the part of the district administration as it did not inform the state government about the alarming situation of pesticide poisoning on time.
Nineteen persons have died due to pesticide poisoning in the district and over 700 were affected by the same.
"I learnt about the incident from media reports. I have instructed all the concerned officers to act immediately. There was failure on part of the district administration to inform the state government," Fundkar told reporters here after visiting village Manoli where one Bandu Sonule died of pesticide poisoning on September 23.
"It is unfortunate and painful to all," he said, adding that over 750 patients have been treated in the hospitals including the GMC since July last of whom 19 patients died during the treatment.
He said the matter was placed before the Cabinet and the chief minister has announced Rs 2 lakh each to the persons who died of the poisoning.
A probe panel under the chairmanship of additional chief secretary for home has been set up to inquire in to the matter and report back to the state within 15 days, he said.
"We will cancel the licenses of guilty companies which marketed the unauthorised pesticides in the market," Fundkar said, adding FIR would be filed against them if found guilty.
Protective kits are being distributed to farmers and the agriculture officers have been directed to keep a close watch over the use of the kits, he said, adding that the companies are also instructed to provide free kits to the customers.
While expressing concern over the poor state of affairs in the Government Medical College (GMC) of Yavatmal, Fundkar said there are no adequate medicines, ventilators and doctors there to meet the requirement of the patients.
District guardian minister Madan Yerawar, Shetkari Swalamban Mission Chairman Kishor Tiwari, sitting MP Bhavana Gawali and others were also present at the press meet.
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