Kerala

‘Endosulfan victim’ dies in Kasaragod

Kasaragod: The banned Endosulfan used in the past for cashew plantations here has claimed another life as one more person died of the ‘mysterious and painful’ disease believed to have been caused by the pesticide.

Sangamulya, 70, residing close to the State-owned Cashew Plantation Corporation estate near Ethadukka, died on Sunday at his residence after undergoing prolonged treatment.

He is suspected to be a victim of aerial spraying of the banned pesticide in the estate, officials said here. Sangamulya underwent treatment at the State government-sponsored medical camps for Endosulfan victims, but could not recover, they said.

Several people staying close to the Corporation estates in the district are grappling with mysterious diseases, suspected to have been caused by unscientific aerial spraying of the pesticide, which had been banned since 2000 following intense protests from local people and various voluntary agencies.

On December 9 last year, Lakkanna Rai, 55, a resident of Velloor Sabrakaje at Mulleria near here, died at a hospital in Mangalore after undergoing treatment for mysterious diseases and cancer, sources said. Rai lived close to the State-owned Mueelria Estate, where the pesticide was used till 2000. – PTI

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