The Supreme Court on Friday asked an expert panel to find out the quantity of the pesticide endosulfan made in India ready for export against pending orders.
The court directed the panel appointed by it to submit an interim report in three weeks.
It also sought to know from the panel the steps to be taken for disposing the remaining quantity of unexported endosulfan, keeping in mind the environmental norms.
The panel should examine the stringent conditions under which the export of endosulfan can be made and whether the countries importing the pesticide from India have the requisite norms and precautions in place, the court said.
It also asked the panel to produce all the relevant material, including international conventions concerning endosulfan.
The court said it wants to keep in mind the interests of all stakeholders.
Eco concerns
Meanwhile, the Government told the court that according to the agriculture sector, endosulfan is a useful pesticide, while the Health Ministry has informed about the health concerns. There are also environmental concerns regarding the use of endosulfan, the Government added.
The court made it clear that it does not want any manufacture of the item in the country as of now. The court also asked the states to inform it regarding whether they want the manufacture of endosulfan to continue.
In May, the apex court had imposed a total prohibition on production, sale and use of endosulfan.