Paraquat Poisoning Crisis in Telangana: Lack of Official Data Obscures True Death Toll
In Hyderabad, a critical public health issue is unfolding as the highly toxic herbicide paraquat continues to claim lives across Telangana. Despite the staggering number of deaths and growing demands for a ban, the state health department lacks consolidated data or a registry to track these fatalities, making it difficult to assess the true scale of the problem.
Alarming Estimates from Medical Experts
According to estimates by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Telangana and Doctors Against Paraquat Poison (DAAP), approximately 5,550 to 6,000 deaths occur annually in Telangana due to paraquat poisoning. These organizations further estimate that nearly 1,000 such cases are reported every month across India. Dr Mahesh Reddy, president of DAAP, highlighted the challenges in obtaining accurate figures, stating, "We have filed several RTIs with the state health department, but there has been no response so far." He warned that the actual number could be significantly higher, as many patients are treated in private hospitals where cases often go unrecorded.
Hospital Admissions and District-Wide Impact
Doctors from major hospitals in Hyderabad, including Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Gandhi Hospital, and Osmania General Hospital, report handling around 200 to 250 paraquat poisoning cases annually at each facility, with admissions occurring almost every other day. The situation in districts is similarly dire. Dr Mahesh noted that across the 10 erstwhile districts of Telangana—Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Medak, Warangal, Khammam, Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Nalgonda, and Mahabubnagar—each reports about 100 to 150 cases every month, with 40 to 50 deaths monthly. Dr Karthik Nagula, a forensic expert at Gandhi Hospital, added that six to seven of every 10 poisoning deaths they examine are due to paraquat.
Easy Availability and Lack of Regulation
A 250ml bottle of paraquat dichloride, widely used for weed control, is available at fertiliser shops for Rs 200. When checked, the bottle was also found on e-commerce platforms at the same price. Dr Manjusha Yadla, head of Nephrology at Gandhi Hospital, expressed concern, saying, "With paraquat now being bought through e-commerce platforms and delivery apps, the crisis is spreading beyond the farming community to urban areas too." A senior health department official confirmed that no statewide data is maintained, with each government hospital keeping its own records.
Medical Consequences and Treatment Challenges
Doctors explain that paraquat causes irreversible damage to the kidneys, liver, and lungs, with no antidote available. The lethal dose is remarkably small at around 20ml-30ml, with a mortality rate of 80-100%. Dr Yadla detailed the treatment difficulties, noting, "Many patients first go to smaller hospitals, which causes a delay. By the time they reach a tertiary centre such as Gandhi or OGH, the delay is usually a day and a half to over two days. By then, paraquat has been deposited in vital organs such as the lungs and kidneys, as well as in fat tissue. This affects cellular mechanisms and the toxin is released slowly, making treatment difficult." Dr Gangadhar, head of department at NIMS, emphasized, "The major problem with this type of poisoning is that we do not have an antidote."
Calls for Ban and Regulatory Action
Although paraquat has been banned in around 70 countries, including EU nations, China, and Brazil, regulatory action in India is still pending. A health official noted that while paraquat is regulated at a central level for registration, manufacture, and approval, its use and distribution are handled by state governments. Recently, Telangana MLC Balmoor Venkat demanded a complete ban on paraquat. Earlier, the Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission, led by chairman M Kodanda Reddy, submitted a representation to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Reddy questioned, "The commission sought the opinion of the state agriculture department and agricultural universities. However, they emphasised the need for more regulatory checks. But how is it possible when this chemical is so widely available and can even be purchased through e-commerce platforms?"
Legal and Alternative Solutions
In February, the Telangana High Court sought responses from the state and central governments over their stance on banning paraquat, highlighting the excessive use of the chemical leading to loss of lives. Dr P Kishan, president of IMA in Telangana, advocated for alternatives, stating, "Weed control can be achieved through the use of brush cutters, power weeders, mulching, inter-cultivation and integrated weed management practices. These alternatives are practical, scalable and already in use." Experts stress that immediate action is needed to prevent further fatalities and address this escalating health crisis.
