The Union Government of India recently issued a statement clarifying that the use of drones for pesticide spraying is illegal, as per the Insecticides Act of 1968. This announcement came into play after environmentalists raised concerns about the increasing use of drones for agrochemical spraying, which could potentially lead to adverse effects.
The Insecticide Act, 1968
The Insecticides Act of 1968 prohibits aerial spraying of pesticides. The legislation mandates that any airborne application of pesticides must receive approval or permission from the Central Insecticides Board (CIB). To date, the CIB has not granted approval or sanction for using drones to spray pesticides. The legislation makes it clear that aerial spraying affects a more extensive area while lessening its impact on the target pests.
The Role of Drones in Spraying Chemicals
Drones and other unmanned remote-controlled machinery can pose significant threats when used to spray chemicals. These devices have no scientific backing for their effectiveness in precision spraying of chemicals. Adverse weather conditions and wind patterns can cause hazardous chemicals, sprayed from these drones, to drift outside their intended application range.
The Case of Kasargod in Kerala
Kasargod in Kerala, has faced detrimental effects due to the aerial spraying of a pesticide known as Endosulfan for over two decades. Prolonged exposure to the pesticide wreaked havoc on the health of the local population, particularly children, causing deformities, mental and physical disorders, and delayed sexual maturity among other ailments.
The Central Insecticides Board (CIB)
Established under Section 4 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the CIB functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The board is responsible for advising the central and state governments on technical issues arising from the Act’s implementation and performing other assigned duties. The CIB’s advice pertains to the risks to humans or animals associated with the usage of insecticides/pesticides, as well as safety measures to be implemented. Additionally, it advises on the production, sales, storage, transport, and distribution of these substances to safeguard human and animal health.
Health Impact of Aerial Spraying: The Kasargod Incident
Over a span of 20 years, aerial spraying of Endosulfan on cashew plantations and other crops led to numerous health complications among the people of Kerala, particularly children. The health effects of this chemical include neurotoxicity, delayed sexual maturity, physical deformities, and even poisoning. Several studies have established the correlation between the aerial spraying of the pesticide and the increasing health disorders in the Kasargod district. In response to these findings, the Supreme Court banned the production and distribution of Endosulfan in 2011.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024