There is concern over the delay on part of the State government in finding an agency for detoxification and safe disposal of 1,914 litres of endosulfan stored at the godowns of the Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK) in Kasaragod and Mannarkkad.
Eight months have passed since experts transferred the pesticide in the remaining barrels to heavy-duty polythene drums at the PCK godown at Mannarkkad as a prelude to safe disposal.
The exercise was taken up in Kasaragod a year ago. Many deadlines were set for the safe disposal of the pesticide. In Mannarkkad, PCK workers and residents had raised concern over the possible leak of the pesticide. Experts say the pesticide will remain safe in the polythene drums for several years. But, people in the locality are planning agitations.
Government sources say the lack of interest on part of companies engaged in detoxification and disposal is prolonging the process. Global tenders were invited but only one company responded. N. Shamsudheen, Mannarkkad MLA, says the government is taking all steps to find a way to detoxify and remove the pesticide. The government expects a solution in two months, he says.
The PCK’s stock at Mannarkkad is 314 litres. The contents of the barrels were transferred to polythene drums on October 12 at a cost of Rs.10 lakh.
“The selected company must meet the safety standards set by the United Nations. So, we are in the process of finding a competent agency,” Mr. Shamsudheen said. The monsoon is approaching and many deadlines set by the government have passed. We are living in constant fear of a possible leak. The government must take up the matter seriously,” N. Soman, a trade union leader, says.
Residents worried over possible leak
All efforts to find a competent agency: MLA
