Use of endosulphan results in death of endangered species
Posted 27 December 05 under .
Report published in New Indian Express daily
Use of endosulphan results in death of endangered species
Tuesday December 27 2005 09:33 IST
PALAKKAD: The extensive use of pesticides containing endosulphan in the mango groves of the Govindapuram-Muthalamada belt, located in the southern valleys of Nelliampathy, has led to the death of thousands of butterflies, which include even endangered species.
According to wildlife experts, the dead butterfly species include Crymson Rose, Blue Mormon, Common Crow, Blue Tiger, Striped Tiger and some unidentified species. Crimson Rose falls under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
“So far no damage to the food chain or the ecosystem has been reported, but the rampant use of such pesticides could cause the death of many bird species,”says S Guruvayoorappan, Project Officer of the Wildlife Protection Society of India.
The farmers here depend on the Pollachi market in Tamil Nadu for the pesticides, which are used in the mango groves grown widely over a 50 sq km area. According to a study conducted by the Wildlife Protection Society of India, in association with the Ecological Protection Group, it is estimated that around 5 lakh yielding mango trees are harvested every year in this region.
The plantations are taken on lease by merchants, who spray pesticides. The area falls under the Palghat gap and it is a major migratory route of many animals, including butterflies.
The use of pesticide makes it a graveyard for the wildlife and its ecosystem. It may be recalled that scientists have identified around 56 butterflies in Nelliampathy and adjoining areas.
The Lepidoptera scientists say that a large number of these butterflies breed in Nelliampathy from November to January.
Guruvayoorappan says that 234 species of butterflies and moths are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The use of endosulphan in the farms will ultimately lead to cancer, mental retardation, impotency and skin diseases in human beings, as has been proved in Kasargod.
According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, hunting of wildlife is prohibited. As per Section 2 (16 AC), hunting is defined as “killing or poisoning of any wild animal or captive animal and every attempt to do so.”
The farmers in the area have submitted the list of names of the commonly used pesticides to the environmentalists, who have sent the samples to the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun for chemical tests.
The volunteers of the Wildlife Protection Society of India also plan a survey among the people of the area to find out if the use of pesticides has caused health hazards among the population.
The society, on Monday, petitioned the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on the use of endosulphan-based pesticides in the mango groves, at its sitting held at the Tourism Guest House here.
Commission Acting Chairman V P Mohan Kumar asked the district administration to present a report on the situation.
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Large-scale use of Endosulfan in Palakkad Viva-voce @ Chittur Govt College