Anti Endosulfan Movement

Mohamed Rafeek KPShubhi saini

Muhammed Iqbal KC

India was the largest user of which produces 70% of this deadly pesticide.

domestic use-4500 tonnes export -4000 tonnes.

India and Endosulfan

Hindustan Insecticide Lmtd was the producer of Endosulfan

Sold under trade names ThionexEndocilPhaserBenzoepin

Problems and effects

Puberty delayed in boys Infertility among men Girls attain menarche early Menstrual disorders are frequent It affects kidney and liver Birth defects Learning disabilities, Low IQ,

Scholastic backwardness

•God’s own country

But Kasargod was severely affected.

It was sprayed from 1976 to 2001, thrice a year

In 1979, a farmer realized the effect of Endosulfan after keen

observation in his calves

How can we leave our school…

I’ll strike back through education…

Anti Endosulfan movement emerged in response to these

disastrous effects in 1994

Demands1. Ban Endosulfan

2. Compensation for victims

Supporters• Thanal (NGO)• Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishat(the

people’s science movement)• District Environmental committee• Punchiri arts and sports club• Solidarity Youth movement

VS Achutanandhan (Opposition leader& Chief minister)

MA Rahman (Social Activist)

Ms. Leela Kumariyamma (Social activist)

Dr. C Jayakumar Dr. Md. Asheel

Chronology1976: First experimental aerial spraying

of Endosulfan1979: Poisoning of Endosulfan reported

firstly from Kasargod1994: Issue came forth to public

attention and social activists sent complaints to all government officials

1998: The protest emerges as a mass movement

2000: District court banned Endosulfan in Kasargod

2002: High court of Kerala banned the use and sale of Endosulfan in the state.

2003: The national institute of occupational health(NIOH) substantiated the health problems.

• 2004: The then opposition leader, VS Achuthananthan deployed his staff to collect available materials and consequences.

• 2011: VS Achuthanathan led mass fast to ban Endosulfan completely.

• 2011: Jan 3, Geneva conference decided for global ban

• 2011: May 13, Supreme court banned Endosulfan

Central government refuted the health effects and demand to ban

Results

1. Success: Apex court banned Endosulfan all over India

2. failure: in terms of compensation

References• Mathrubhumi weekly• Endosulfan; the Kerala story• Oppumaram; enivsage rekhakal• www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/

kerala-versus-endosulfan• http://www.livemint.com/Politics/03ejtKJXAV

4A1XxOZr3WGI/Endosulfan-ban-no-clear-battle-lines-drawn.html