Hyderabad High Court Demands Action on Paraquat Pesticide Ban Amid Rising Deaths
The Hyderabad High Court has taken a firm stance against the hazardous pesticide paraquat, issuing directives to both the Central and Telangana state governments to clarify their positions on imposing a comprehensive ban. This decisive move comes in response to alarming reports of over 200 annual fatalities in the state attributed to paraquat poisoning, highlighting a critical public health crisis.
Judicial Intervention in Pesticide Safety
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin issued these urgent directions on Thursday while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The PIL was initiated based on a compelling letter addressed to the Chief Justice, which detailed the severe dangers associated with paraquat. The bench has mandated that the concerned authorities submit their official stance on prohibiting this toxic substance, underscoring the judiciary's proactive role in safeguarding citizen welfare.
Paraquat: A Lethal Threat to Human Life
The letter presented to the court painted a grim picture of paraquat's devastating impact. It emphasized that paraquat is an extremely toxic chemical, capable of causing irreversible organ damage even in minute quantities. This poses a direct and severe threat to human life, with data indicating that Telangana witnesses more than 200 deaths each year due to poisoning from this pesticide. The urgency of the matter is amplified by the fact that paraquat is already banned in several major regions, including the European Union, China, and Brazil, yet remains in widespread use within Telangana's agricultural sector.
Call for Comprehensive Ban and Public Awareness
The PIL advocates for a multi-faceted approach to address this issue. It urges the imposition of a complete ban on the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of paraquat across the state. Additionally, it calls for robust public awareness campaigns to educate farmers and the general population about the inherent dangers of paraquat and to promote safer, alternative pesticides. This holistic strategy aims not only to curb immediate fatalities but also to foster long-term agricultural safety practices.
Legal Proceedings and Future Hearings
In its ruling, the bench has also issued formal notices to the Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC) in Hyderabad, ensuring all relevant stakeholders are involved in the deliberations. The court has adjourned the matter, scheduling the next hearing after a period of three weeks. This interim period allows the government bodies ample time to prepare their responses and potentially outline actionable steps toward mitigating this public health hazard.
The High Court's intervention marks a significant step in addressing the paraquat crisis, reflecting a growing judicial concern over environmental and health regulations. As the case progresses, it is expected to set a precedent for stricter oversight of agricultural chemicals and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities in Telangana and beyond.
