Township for the Endosulphan victims

For endosulfan victims at Kasaragod - Kerala. Throwing several warnings to the wind, a chemical insecticide named endosulfan was sprayed extensively for 24 years all over 11 villages in Kasaragod, the northern most district of Kerala. Each year, the poisonous chemical was sprayed at least three times. The excessive application of the hazardous organochlorine later proved detrimental as it heavily contaminated the air, water and soil of the highly populated locality. In due course, a number of chronic health issues like mental, physical and behavioural disorders, sensory loss, neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, congenital anomalies, dermatological and musculoskeletal disorders began to surface prolifically among the people in these areas. Though the Government of Kerala banned the use of endosulfan in 2001, the long winding health implications caused by the chemical still prevails in the area. The efforts launched by the government and other agencies in ameliorating the miseries were proved to be insufficient. Driven by the social service motto it upholds, Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust – Kerala has initiated a project of building 108 houses for the victims of endosulfan at Kasaragod district. An estimated Rs. 6 lakh is required for finishing each of the 500 sq. ft. house. The government of Kerala has identified the land where the Trust has to construct free homes under its Sai Prasadam – free housing scheme, which is a Rs. 10 Crore project. Envisioned is creation of a Sathya Sai Gramam, comprising of 36 houses in 3 panchayats, a children’s park, a mini theatre and a health clinic. The Trust could accomplish 23 houses in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts under Sai Prasadam scheme.