Monitoring of Endosulfan Residues in the 11 Panchayaths of Kasaragod District, Kerala by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment June 2011

June 03, 2011

The Government of Kerala has directed the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) for monitoring endosulfan persistence in soil, water and blood samples in the selected areas of Kasaragod District and its impacts on human health and environment vide G.O. (MS) No. 1550/20/10/HFW, dated: 09.04.2010 (Annexure I). Besides the members of the duly constituted technical cell, the District Medical Officer of KanhangadDr. D’cruz and his office extended their support for the completion of the assignment. Atechnical cell was constituted by KSCSTE vide Council (M) order No 104/2010/KSCSTE, dated 29/06/2010 with specific terms of references (Annexure II).

The study was necessitated as there was notable environmental and health related issues in these areas after 1970s when aerial spraying of endosulfan, a persistent neurotoxin and endocrine disruptive pesticide, to contain the tea mosquitoes of Cashew plantation was initiated in these areas. It is reported that this has brought in inexplicable human sufferings, loss of life, virtually wiping out biodiversity and, seriously damaging the ecology of the area.