Rehab, immediate compensation package demanded for endosulfan victims

Mangalore, December 12: An apolitical Fast Satyagraha was staged in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Wednesday demanding announcement of apt packages, compensation and relief for endosulfan victims from the government.

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Vishwanath, lecturer, said that after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, endosulfan has been the most destructive tragedy in the history of the country. For two decades, authorities have failed to understand the impact of the chemical and the government continues to have an unclear policy in this regard. There is a need to ascertain the right number of people who have fell prey to endosulfan as the survey conducted by the government is not satisfactory. Nevertheless, immediate shelling of compensation has to be carried out to the families which have been identified already, he said.

J R Lobo, Former Commissioner, Mangalore City Corporation, said that apart from endosulfan, there are other chemicals which are also causing ill-effects on nature and the lives of people. Lamenting the approach of the government, he said that had such a tragedy taken place in any other developed country, the government there would have wasted no time in taking strict measures.

N  Ismail, Principal, Badria College, Mangalore, said that man's greed has led him to go against nature. In an effort to double the production of fruits and vegetables in a short span using chemicals, man has invited the wrath of nature, he said and stressed on the need to stand by the victims of endosulfan.

Shakuntala Shetty, Former MLA, in her address said that there is a need to establish rehabilitation centres for endosulfan victims because there are many children suffering who have no one to look after in case their parents pass away. Disability by itself is natural but when it is given a chance through artificial means, it leads to tragedy, she opined.

Muneer Katipalla, DYFI leader, also expressed his support to the cause and urged the government to follow the Kerala model where the state government there is doling out monthly pensions and a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh besides taking other initiatives.

PV Mohan, the organizer of the satyagraha, Kripa Amar Alva, Member of the Advisory Bord, AAI, Appi, Corporator, MCC, also took part besides others.

Addressing the protesters at one-day hunger strike organised by Endo Virodhi Horata Samithi under the leadership of AICC member P V Mohan, and other like-minded organisations here on Wednesday, he said: “I have already held discussion with Health Minister on the endosulfan problems in Karnataka. The Centre and the State are equally responsible for the mishap. Efforts will be made to take Union Health Minister to the endosulfan victims, during his next visit to Mangalore.”