Hold Govt. responsible

Sir, - When the Americans feel their children are the responsibility of society and the Japanese place computers as toys before their children, we Indians are making our children handicapped, turning them into cancer patients. I refer to the article by Ms. Nirmala Lakshman `Cashews for human life?' (July 22). The Government of Kerala must take responsibility for the rehabilitation of those affected by the pesticide, Endosulfan.

It must constitute a medical board to examine the affected people and provide them assistance and education. Compensation should also be provided. The use of Endosulfan is to be ceased forthwith as it is a restricted pesticide as per the Pesticide Act of 1971. The State Government also is responsible for establishing a clean environment as it is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.

R.C. Sekaran,

Visakhapatnam

Sir, - That hundreds of children are afflicted due to drinking water and breathing air contaminated by Endosulfan, which has been banned by many countries, is distressing and proves that human health is cheap in our country.

Even if one individual is to suffer for the wealth of the whole nation, we should shun that wealth. Our scientists, instead of being asked to invent more weapons of destruction, should be asked to invent eco-friendly and herbal-based pesticides and insecticides.

S. Kuppuswamy,

Bangalore

Sir, - The article makes for sad reading. It shows how enormous the problem is and how urgently it needs to be eradicated. Even the end product, cashew carries a sizable amount of residual Endosulfan. We do not consume cashew everyday, but what about cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits that we include in our diet. Have we done enough to study the various insecticides and pesticides that are used in farming? It is time comprehensive laws are framed and practised to ensure the safety of agricultural products from the deleterious effects of insect and pest-control chemicals.

R. Ganapathi,

Chennai

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