Victims of endosulfan at Muthalamada a neglected lot
Hemalatha, eight months old, daughter of Senthil Kumar and Dhanalakshmi of Babu Colony, Muthalamada, was born two years after the global ban on endosulfan. Her swollen head and apparent physical illnesses are testimony to the residuary harm that the pesticide has been doing to the people of Muthalamada.
“Our hut is close to a mango plantation where the spraying of endosulfan had been routine for many years. This may have contributed to the plight of our child,” Dhanalakshmi says. The couple’s first child, born four years ago with similar physical conditions, lived only for two months.
Sharanya, 11, of the same locality, was diagnosed with cerebral meningitis on the 28th day of her birth. She was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus. She can sit only with support. Victims of endosulfan use are now pinning their hopes on Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar’s announcement that a health package would be implemented for those affected at Muthalamada and adjoining Kollangode. Many are but sceptical about the sincerity of the government.
