The Indian Government’s opposition to a global ban on endosulfan in Stockholm and Rotterdam Convention meetings has become something of the norm.

But recent developments in Kerala State indicate that the Indian Government’s blind preservation of self-interest is increasingly out-of-sync with its people.

The Rotterdam Convention

On March 15th-19th, Review Committee members will convene in Geneva to discuss whether endosulfan should be listed under the Rotterdam Convention. The Convention intends to promote information exchange about the trade of hazardous chemicals, and to assist less developed countries in enforcing national bans and restrictions on listed chemicals. In effect, it requires a country to give ‘prior informed consent’ before a listed chemical can be imported.

Listing endosulfan would empower developing countries, enabling them to take active steps to protect their people and their natural environment.

India blocking progress

At the last meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention the Indian delegation led opposition to the listing of endosulfan, obstructing the necessary consensus for action otherwise widely supported.

The Convention demands that scientific evidence form the basis of decision-making, yet the preservation of self-interest by India and others meant that endosulfan is yet to be listed.

Why ‘no’ to a ban?

India is one of the world’s largest producers of pesticides, and the largest producer of endosulfan. The Indian State directly benefits from the sale of the pesticide, as the owner of one of the leading endosulfan manufacturers – Hindustan Insecticides Ltd.
 
Kerala State, India, has already banned the use of endosulfan and is offering compensation to the victims of endosulfan exposure
Kerala State, India, has already banned the use of endosulfan and is offering compensation to the victims of endosulfan exposure

India in conflict: Kerala bans endosulfan while the national government looks on

India’s opposition to the listing of endosulfan under the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in international meetings does not reflect the desires of the Indian people.

Publicly undermining the position of the national government, the State of Kerala continues to ban the use of endosulfan.

Just weeks ago, the Kerala Cabinet approved a compensation and rehabilitation package for people disabled as a result of endosulfan spraying on cashew plantations in the Kasaragod district.

The State of Kerala announced funding for hospital modernisation, and the continued support of endosulfan victims needing surgical treatment. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan announced that families caring for those left severely disabled would receive additional monthly assistance to the existing amount of Rs. 250.

The Kerala Cabinet will now consider the possibility of offering affected families a monthly rice allowance and the continued distribution of financial compensation to the families of those who have died as a result of exposure to endosulfan.

In an important moment for Indian politics, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan publicly disagreed with the statement by the Indian Minister for Agriculture, Sharad Pawar, in opposition to a national ban on endosulfan.

What can I do?

Help EJF to ensure a global ban on this deadly pesticide. With exactly two months to go before the next Review Committee meeting for the Rotterdam Convention, EJF is asking you to step up the call to the Indian Government to quit its opposition to the listing of endosulfan under the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions.

Write to the Indian Minister of Environment now

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