Endosulfan impact: Kerala govt moots comprehensive study

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government will examine the need to conduct a comprehensive study in the Endosulfan-affected areas in the state, especially Kasaragod district, covering all aspects including the changes the residues of the toxic pesticide might have made in the soil structure.
The need for such a study was stressed by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan while responding to a submission on various lacunae in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation projects for Endosulfan victims by Thrikkaripur MLA M Rajagopalan in the Assembly.
“There’s a need to assess the situation fully through a detailed study, which should include a soil survey to know the impact of the toxic substance,” Vijayan said.
The chief minister also said that medical facilities at the district hospital in Kasaragod will be enhanced to cater to Endosulfan victims, besides ensuring efficient functioning of special medical camps. “It has been noted that these special medical camps had not functioned properly. The matter will be looked into and necessary action will be taken,” he said adding that the government would also act on wide-spread complaints regarding the disbursal of financial assistance to the affected people.
On the existing relief and rehabilitation package, the CM said various departments have been brought together under this package, and a cell for coordination and assessment is functioning with the district-in- charge minister as chairman and the district collector as convener. This is besides a redressal cell functioning under the deputy district collector to look into complaints.
Vijayan also said that pressure would be put on the central government for release of the deserving central aid for the Endosulfan affected people in the state.