Karnataka will soon re-impose the temporary ban on use and manufacture of the pesticide Endosulfan following the expiry of the 60-day ban.

Minister for Energy, Ms Shobha Karandlaje, who has been leading the ban-Endosulfan movement in the state, much against the opposition from manufacturers, on Monday said the issue of re-imposing the ban would be brought before the State Cabinet at its next meeting.

“I have requested Chief Minister, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa, to bring the subject before the Cabinet so that the temporary ban continues till the Centre accords the state permission for banning Endosulfan permanently,” she told reporters here.

‘Opposed by Pseudo farmers'

The minister hit at out Union Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar, for “taking a stand that Endosulfan cannot be banned” in the country.

“Pawar says farmers are opposing Endosulfan ban. I doubt whether farmers have such a demand. It could be the demand of pseudo farmers and by Endosulfan manufacturers,” she alleged.

“He (Pawar) is trying to speak in support of Endosulfan manufacturers. Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala, besides Karnataka have faced the adverse effect of the pesticide,” Karandlaje added.

She had recently called on Mr Pawar asking for a permanent ban on use and manufacture of Endosulfan in Karnataka.

“If Mr Pawar is sincere, let him order a study on the ill-effects of Endosulfan use. At least 6,000 people have suffered disabilities in Dakshina Kannada district in the state alone.” Citing health hazards, the government had banned use of the pesticide on February 17.

The Endosulfan Manufacturers Association has challenged the ban in the High Court.

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