The Rajya Sabha today deliberated on prohibiting the use of pesticide Endosulfan in agricultural activities with a view to prevent its harmful effects on human beings and the environment.
The discussion came up after a Private Member's Bill was introduced by P Rajeeve of the CPI (M) on the issue and most members who spoke appeared to be in favour of imposing restrictions on the use of the pesticide.
The discussion, however, remained inconclusive.
Introducing 'The Endosulfan Pesticide (Prohibition) Bill, 2011, Rajeeve said over 500 people had died using Endosulfan in Kasargod district of Kerala and over 10,000 people continue to suffer from its effects.
He said while several countries have banned it, it continued to be used in India though its use was disallowed in Kerala in 2002.
He also said in a order on a PIL, the Supreme Court had recommended ban on use of Endosulfan but the position of the agriculture ministry is in favour of the manufacturers of this pesticide.
The member sought a ban on the use of a particular chemical which was used to manufacture Endosulfan. He also sought higher compensation of Rs 4000 per month to severely affected families and that a Tribunal be set up to hear such cases.
Participating in the discussion, Congress MP Vijay Darda and Tiruchi Siva (DMK) supported the Bill in view of the harmful effects of the pesticide. K C Tyagi (JD-U) also supported the bill and spoke about the effects of such pesticides on environment.
A Navneethkrishnan (AIADMK) also supported prohibition on use of Endosulfan and demanded provisions of stringent punishment for violators. NCP leader D P Tripathi, V P Singh Badnore (BJP) also expressed concern over the adverse effects of Endosulfan.
