Environment minister Jairam Ramesh today appeared against a countrywide ban on controversial insecticide, Endosulfan, noting that the demand from Kerala in that regard would have national implications.
Stating that the Kerala government was unnecessarily creating a "political issue," he said that the insecticide is already banned in that state where it is not allowed to be used, sold and distributed.
"I don't see why the Endosulfan issue is being made a political one in the state since it is banned there," Ramesh said on the sidelines of a function in the capital.
He said a ban on the insecticide across the country will have national implications and the ministries concerned such as chemicals and fertilisers and agriculture have to be consulted in this regard.
Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan had recently said in the state assembly that his government would put pressure on the Centre to announce a permanent ban on the use of Endosulfan insecticide in cashew plantations in Kasaragod district.
Referring to a recent death of a local in Kasaragod, the minister had said, "It is a human tragedy. I am aware of it. It's not a political issue but this is a human issue."
Ramesh said that he has sought a proper epidemiological study and has asked the ministry for the cause of the death in the district. "We will look into all factors," he said.
Kerala is the only state to ban the pesticide after families living near cashew plantations in Kasargod district complained in 2003 that they were falling victims to it.
According to the state government, around 400 persons had died due to the ill-effects of the insecticide in the district and their relatives had been given Rs50,000 each as compensation.
