Centre bans paraquat dichloride, a herbicide linked to thousands of self-harm, homicide and accidental deaths
India joins the long list of over 70 countries that have banned the toxic herbicide which has no antidote
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Context
The Central government has initiated the process to ban the herbicide paraquat dichloride by issuing a notification inviting objections under the . This move follows recommendations from an Experts Committee and the Registration Committee, citing the chemical's link to numerous fatalities, including self-harm and accidental poisonings, its high toxicity, and the absence of a specific antidote.
UPSC Perspectives
Governance
The proposed ban on paraquat highlights the regulatory framework governing agricultural chemicals in India. The regulates the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution, and use of insecticides and pesticides to prevent risk to human beings or animals. The decision-making process involves expert bodies like the Registration Committee, which evaluates safety and efficacy data. This case illustrates cooperative federalism in action, as several states (Kerala, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh) had already restricted or banned the chemical, creating pressure for a national policy. The 30-day window for public feedback demonstrates participatory governance, ensuring stakeholders can voice concerns before a final decision. UPSC often tests understanding of such statutory bodies and regulatory processes in GS Paper 2.
Social
The article underscores a critical public health crisis intersecting with agricultural practices. Paraquat's easy availability and lack of an antidote have made it a common agent for self-harm among vulnerable populations, particularly farmers and youth. This points to the need for a holistic approach to mental health and suicide prevention, extending beyond just restricting means. It also raises concerns about occupational hazards in agriculture, where farm workers are often exposed to toxic chemicals without adequate protective gear or training. The data from hospitals showing an acceleration in self-harm cases linked to online availability of such chemicals highlights the challenges of regulating hazardous substances in the digital age. This ties into GS Paper 2 topics on health, human resources, and the management of vulnerable sections.
Environmental
From an environmental and agricultural perspective, the ban on paraquat is significant for promoting sustainable farming practices. While herbicides are used for weed management, their indiscriminate use leads to soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to non-target organisms. The fact that paraquat is banned or restricted in over 70 countries underscores global concerns about its ecological impact. Banning highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) aligns with broader goals of protecting biodiversity and ensuring food safety. However, the transition requires providing farmers with viable, cost-effective alternatives, such as integrated weed management or safer bio-herbicides, to prevent a negative impact on agricultural productivity. This aligns with GS Paper 3 topics on agriculture, environment, and ecology.