ENDOSULFAN TRAGEDY, ÇOMPENSATION AND FAILURE OF GOVERNMENTS

ENDOSULFAN was developed as a pesticide in 1954. It was widely used upto the 1990s and it was found then that it was a highly toxic chemical. Aerial spraying of endosulfan in cashew plantations in Kerala began in 1976. After a few years there were reports of calves born with deformed limbs. It was also reported that from Padre village of Kaseragod where this pesticide was widely used, frogs, fishes, jackals, fireflies, bee colonies were vanished. Many local children and people below the age of 25 years were suffering from serious disorders. People who lived along the Kodenkiri river had confronted with serious health problems and they came up with protests against the use of this toxic pesticide. With the help of the media their problems were highlighted across the state. However, all concerned delayed or rather failed to address the issue. Later in mango farms of Muthalamada Panchayat in Palakkad district this same pesticide was used. There were reports from here too that consequent upon the use of this toxic chemical, animals found giving birth to the offsprings with deformities. Large numbers of monkeys and butterflies were also found to have died in this region. A 2014 survey identified over 150 endosulfan victims and 40% of them were in chronic condition.

As per reports there are 3704 endosulfan victims of which 102 are bed ridden, 326 are mentally challenged, 119 are suffering from cancer, 2966 others fall in the residual category. According to a report by the The Hindu on May 16, 2022 the Supreme Court slammed the Kerala government for doing virtually nothing for endosulfan victims. The court said that the state's inaction was appalling and amounted to a breach of Apex Court's 2017 judgement, which had ordered the state to pay Rs 5 lakhs each to the victims in three months.

It is suggested to the attention of one or more resourceful NGOs to study the present condition of the victims in the affected area. Try to conduct a survey to find out the present condition of the victims and may have detailed assessment of the help needed by them. In term with the order of the Apex Court what is the remaining compensation payable may be found out and insist the government for an early payment. Also find out the regular treatment needed by the victims and try to provide those from government as well as alternative sources. It is also known that the government is going to withdraw the vehicles provided for the patients to attend the hospitals. Since the handicapped and other weak patients cannot travel by their own for treatment please take up with the appropriate forum to retain the vehicles. If the endosulfan victims need any other help, the same too may be arranged to be provided. This help be ever remembered by the entire people of Kerala.

K V George