Kerala Pollution Board imposes ban on endosulphan

Though a ban of endosulphan had already been in force in Kerala based on a High Court order in 2003, the order notified by Pollution Control Board emphasised on the use of endosulphan in "any form or brand", board officials said.

The decision was taken on the basis of analysis of water in Cheriya river in Kasargode district, where it was found to be contaminated due to the use of the pesticide, they said.
Spraying of endosulphan in state-owned cashew plantation in parts of Kasargode district had allegedly caused death of several persons and serious health problems to hundreds of people over the years.

The LDF Government in Kerala as well several parties and NGOs have for quite some time been pressing the Centre for a nationwide ban on endosulphan considering its ill-effects.
Earlier in the day, the Kerala High court had issued a notice to the manufacturer of endosulphan Hindustan Insecticide Ltd on a petition seeking to constitute a tribunal to grant compensation to those affected by the spraying of the pesticide in Kasaragod district.
The state government had informed the High Court that it had repeatedly requested the Centre to ban endosulphan in the country.