Ban Endosulfan – Save Generations

Profit motive is the driving force of free market economy. However profit motive should not be the preferred choice if there is a trade off between making profit and saving the lives of human beings. The Indian government is doing the unthinkable by preferring profit motive over the lives of its citizens in the subject of banning Endosulfan as government companies are in the forefront of producing the pesticide. When the whole world is shouting in one voice to ban the dangerous pesticide, Indian Government is trying to sabotage all efforts by the international community by voting against banning Endosulfan. The Stockholm Convention meet in Geneva on 25 April will discuss a global ban on the deadly pesticide.

India made a shocking decision by taking stand against the ban at the Sixth Meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee to the convention that recommended the ban last year. At present 81 countries of the world have either banned or decided to phase out Endosulfan while 27 countries are still using the pesticide. India exports about 50% of its production of Endosulfan and hence the manufacturers are pressing the Union Government to act against banning the dangerous pesticide. The Government of India feigns as if it is oblivious of the grave dangers that Endosulfan creates. Studies have shown that Endosulfan causes more than 150 diseases and abnormalities, many of them severe in nature. Many health surveys done in Kasaragod district of Kerala have identified more than 4000 victims in the district alone, and their number is growing.

Several studies done in various parts of the world have shown that it can adversely affect human development. The exposure to Endosulfan delays sexual maturity among boys and interferes with sex hormone synthesis. Pregnant women who are exposed to the pesticide during the first eight weeks are several times more likely to give birth with children with autism. Endosulfan will contaminate ground water and will remain in the environment for years on end, causing danger to several generations. The fate of several affected people in the state bears testimony to the serious implications of the continuous use of the pesticide.

It has become extremely difficult to comprehend why the India Government is acting against the ban on Endosulfan. This will make one wonder whether the bosses of the government are colluding with the pesticides lobby to make sure that there is no global ban on Endosulfan. The indifference and callousness of the government on the plight of those poor people affected with the harmful effects of Endosulfan is outrageous. We should press on the Indian Government to support the global ban on Endosulfan in the Stockholm Convention. If the government fails to do so we should all get ready to a final revolution against this apathetic government and make them heed to the voice of the people.