A Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Govt. of India project on use of Neem as pesticides has shown that the neem based pesticide is highly effective not only in the tea estates of south India but also in other parts of the country. And most importantly, it is helping in regeneration ie. it is helping as a fertiliser as well. Clearly, the second aspect is an amazing realisation which was not the initial project goal. This clearly shows that our traditional thinking of sprinkling grounded neem leaves mixed in water as was practiced by our grand mothers, is highly effective.

The Synthetic Pesticides are causing a havoc polluting our ground water sources, poisoning our soil, killing our birds and animals and bees. Generations to come are being poisoned by the use of harmful pesticides. For the continued use of Endosulfan and the havoc it is creating read here: http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5224

Elephant deaths due to pesticide poisoning: http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5062

In US, the Honeybee colony collapse disorder has been found to be due to the high level of pesticide residues. The honeybees feed on the nectar from flowering plants which have been sprayed with pesticides. The pesticide residue gradually builds up and finally it reaches as state where it leads to collapse of the Honeybee colony. Further details can be found here: http://www.naturalnews.com/028429_co...chemicals.html

Infact, some of the pesticides which are withdrawn from other countries are still being sold in India. For example, Furadan which was earlier sold in Africa by FMC, started withdrawing it when lions started dying due to it. However, the same Furadan is being sold by Rallis India. Some details about it can be found here: http://indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14187 and here: http://www.furadanfacts.com/InTheNews.aspx?itemId=1002

Our wilderness areas give rise to our numerous streams and rivers and serve as the lifeline for our country and our economy. Clearly, it is not a good idea to poison these streams and rivers. Hence, with a clear alternative in sight, It is time to ban synthetic pesticides around National parks, Sanctuaries, Reserve Forests, protected areas, wetlands and areas of ecological importance.

Sale and Usage of synthetic pesticides has to be banned atleast in an area of 50km radius around our National parks, Sanctuaries, Reserve Forests, protected areas, wetlands and areas of ecological importance. This will force our farmers, estate owners to shift away from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

I am sure the powerful pesticide lobby will use their considerable resources to fight against such a move. However, there is no other way to prevent willful poisoning of our wild animals, soil and water resources.

It would be good if our members can write/tweet to the Hon'ble Minister of Fertilisers and Chemicals. Shri Ananth Kumar @AnanthKumar_BJP & through facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Ananthkumar.official ) email: mincf.cpc@sb.nic.in , Fax: 011-23384020 (office), and letter at Room No. 315, A Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001, Phone: +911123386519

and also to the Hon'ble Minister Earth Sciences, Science & Technology & MoEF&CC, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi - 110016 Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi - 110003, Phone: 011-26567373, fax:011-26862418 Twitter: @drharshvardhan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drharshvardhanofficial

Edit: Updated to reflect new ministers
Cheers,
Sabyasachi