An all party delegation from Kerala met the Prime Minister on Friday, 22 April, 2011 urging him to impose a nationwide ban on the use of Endosulfan, an organic insecticide used in agricultural operations. Shri Oommen Chandy, leader of the opposition in the Kerala Assembly and Shri Ramesh Chennithala, President KPCCC met the Prime Minister today about the same issue. Explaining the ill effects of the Endosulfan, members of the delegation stated that the use of this insecticide had led to serious health hazards in Kasargod district of Kerala. They urged the Central Government to take up this issue in the Stocholm Convention for a worldwide ban on the use of this insecticide.

The Prime Minister informed the delegation on the 22nd and Shri Oommen Chandy and Shri Ramesh Chennithala today that the Government of India has an open mind on the issue. The use of Endosulfan has been banned in Kerala. However, imposing a nationwide ban would require national consensus backed by scientific study. A committee chaired by the DG, ICMR is presently examining the harmful effects of Endosulfan on the health of people. The Committee would be asked to expedite its report. Based on the findings a view would be taken in the best interest of the country.