Three years of neglect: Endosulfan Cell defunct despite new minister assuming charge

KASARAGOD: Three and a half years have passed since the last Endosulfan Cell was convened to discuss issues related to Endosulfan victims and their rehabilitation. The last full cell meeting was held on January 8, 2023. The cell meeting is required to be held once every two months. Even after months since the new government came to power, the neglect continues.

Former Excise Minister M.V. Govindan and then Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammed Riyas were the chairmen of the cell during the Pinarayi government. The cell met four times in 10 years. After V.D. Satheesan became the Chief Minister, Local Government Minister K.M. Shaji was given charge of the district. However, no order came for the revival of the Endosulfan Cell. The cell was not reorganised either.

Cell member K.K. Ashokan said that no rehabilitation-related work has been done yet. Ambalathara Kunhikrishnan, leader of Endosulfan Victims' Action Council, alleged that the therapy centre started in Bovikkanam, Muthalappara, Muliyar Panchayat lacks necessary treatment facilities. The Rs. 700 provided to caretakers under the Aswasakiranam scheme is arrears for 10 months. The children's education scholarship amount has also been stopped. The NHM fund provided for purchasing medicines will not be available from 2024-25.