Context: Recently, Protestors at Periya Plantation Corporation godown in Kasaragod, Kerala have called for returning endosulfan (an organochlorine pesticide) to the manufacturing firm for safe disposal.
Background

• In 2011, the supreme court banned endosulfan throughout India. Use of endosulfan causes a great threat to the balance of the environment.

About Endosulfan

• Endosulfan is an organochlorine insecticide — a Persistent Organic Pollutant.
• It is primarily used as an insecticide in agriculture & it is also used as a wood preservative.

Ban on Endosulfan

• India was one of the biggest producers & consumers of endosulfan.
• After the toxicity of the pesticide came into limelight in 2001 in Kasargod District, Kerala banned it.
• In 2011, SC banned the production, distribution & use of endosulfan in India.
• SC also directed the Kerala government to pay Rs 500 crores as compensation to over 5,000 victims.
• Globally, the use of endosulfan is banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
• Under pressure from pesticide firms, India sought remission on the ban for 10 years.
• India has agreed to phase out the use of endosulfan by 2017. 

Hazardous Effects of Endosulfan

• It is highly toxic & has a large potential for bioaccumulation (substance does not leave the body).
• It has hazardous effects on human genetic & endocrine systems.
• Endocrine disruptor: enhances the effect of estrogens causing reproductive & developmental damage in both animals & humans.
• Delayed reproductive development
• Late sexual maturity
• Autism
• Neurotoxic: endosulfan destroys the integrity of the nerve cells.