Warangal MP demands Centre to ban paraquat dichloride

Congress MP from Warangal Kadiyam Kavya raised serious concern in the Lok Sabha over the widespread use of the highly toxic herbicide paraquat dichloride, urging the Centre to impose an immediate ban.

During Zero Hour, Dr. Kavya highlighted that the chemical is severely harming soil, water and sand while posing grave risks to human health. She expressed alarm over its misuse as a ‘dreaded drug’ in suicides, noting its lethal nature with no known antidote and near-100% mortality rate in consumption cases.

The MP pointed out that paraquat dichloride contaminates agricultural ecosystems and has become a preferred means for self-harm in rural areas, particularly in Telangana districts like Warangal. She called upon the government to prohibit its production, sale and use to protect farmers, the environment and public health.

Her demand aligns with ongoing appeals by medical bodies such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Telangana and other MPs, who have flagged the herbicide’s dangers and pushed for alternatives with safer packaging and awareness measures.