The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has sought steps to address the sufferings of over 70 people reportedly affected by the spraying of endosulfan at Chembanoda village in Chakkittapara grama panchayat in the district.
P. Mohana Das, acting chairperson of the commission, visited the village and interacted with seven bed-ridden patients on Wednesday. Village residents told him that the spraying of endosulfan in a nearby estate run by the Plantation Corporation 30 years ago had led to serious health issues among many of them. They demanded that the victims be paid compensation on a par with those affected by the pesticide in Kasaragod district.
They alleged that though the High Court had asked the district administration to prepare a report on the impact of endosulfan in the region, the District Collector was yet to visit the village. Sources said that the commission would demand that the government provide immediate relief measures to the needy even though it was yet to be proved that their condition was caused by the spraying of endosulfan.