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The truth behind Endosulfan controversy:
A media blitz unleashed by Delhi based NGO, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE),
together with some local Kerala based NGOs brought the current Endosulfan controversy into
sharp focus. The story first broke in February 2001. The story alleged that the health
problems in Padre village in Kerala were linked to Endosulfan usage. The basis of the
accusation was a so-called scientific study conducted by CSE in estimating the residues in
environmental samples collected from the affected areas.The news item was picked up and
spread very quickly by several national and international newspapers, and TV channels. |
| Business Standard,
New Delhi, July 31, 2002 |
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Of pests and people by Ajayan:
The little village of Padre, tucked away in the Western Ghats of Kerala's northern
district of Kasargod, bordering Karnataka, is home to physically and mentally ill people
today.The residents of this area looked with awe at the choppers that swirled in the air
spraying pesticide on the cashew plants.But the pesticide also fell upon the streams,
rivers and open wells, contaminating the water. In 2000 December, people protested the
Plantation Corporation of Kerala(PCK's) aerial spraying. From there it has been a host of
protests, which brought in Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, Indian Council
of Medical Research, Pesticide Action network - Asia and the Pacific, led by toxicologist
Romeo F Quijano, and the Fredric Institute of Plant Protection and Toxicology, which was
headed by Dr Achuthan, who was appointed by the state government.It was on the basis of
the last report that the state government decided to ban the spraying of
endosulfan. |
| The Financial Express, New Delhi, July 21, 2002 |
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Hapless victims of a 'mystery' killer by R. Gopakumar:
It is time the Kerala government addressed the issue of mystery diseases afflicting
residents of villages near Kasargod.In the last few years, a number of committees,
scientists from some reputed scientific institutions like the Indian Council for Medical
Research (ICMR) and Centre for Science & Environment (CSE) and even a Philippines
based renowned toxicologist, Prof Romeo F Quijano have visited Kasargod to study the
mystery killer. |
| Deccan
Herald, Bangalore, July 14, 2002 |
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