Karnataka to re-impose ban on endosulphan

Karnataka will soon re-impose the temporary ban on the use and manufacture of the pesticide Endosulphan following the expiry of the 60-day ban. Minister for Energy Shobha Karandlaje, who has been leading the ban-Endosulphan movement in the state, much against the opposition from manufacturers, today said the issue of re-imposing the ban would be brought before the State Cabinet at its next meeting.

“I have requested Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to bring the subject before the Cabinet so that the temporary ban continues till the Centre accords the state permission for banning Endosulphan permanently,” she told reporters here.

The minister hit at out Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar for “taking a stand that Endosulphan cannot be banned” in the country. “Pawar says farmers are opposing Endosulphan ban. I doubt whether farmers have such a demand. It could be the demand of pseudo farmers and by Endosulphan manufacturers,” she alleged.

“He (Pawar) is trying to speak in support of Endosulphan manufacturers. Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala, besides Karnataka have faced the adverse effect of the pesticide,” Karandlaje added. She had recently called on Pawar asking for a permanent ban on use and manufacture of Endosulphan in Karnataka.

“If Pawar is sincere, let him order a study on the ill-effects of Endosulphan use. At least 6,000 people have suffered disabilities in Dakshina Kannada district in the state alone.” Citing health hazards, the government had banned use of the pesticide on February 17.

The Endosulphan Manufacturers Association has challenged the ban in the High Court.