India
Distinguished Chair,
Thank you for giving me the floor. We would also like to thank
the Secretary General for the report on the subject. Permit me to make
a few points.
The imperative of eliminating the production and use of harmful
chemicals is well recognized. However, there is a need for costeffective
and environmentally-sound alternative products to be
developed before initiating the phasing out process of such chemicals
in developing countries. For example, DDT has an important role in
vector control and has a public health interface. While India supports
and has eliminated usage of DDT in agriculture, we continue to use it
for malaria control. Similarly, the use of generic pesticides is a
necessity in the Indian agricultural sector at present because of its
food security implications. I am sure similar problems are faced by
our fellow developing countries.
Clearly, the access and dissemination of enhanced technology
by developing countries is a key pre-requisite in this process. Ways
and means have to be evolved for technology transfer and flow of
financial resources from the North to the South in order to accelerate
the phasing out process.
Another issue relates to compensation for environmental
damage. Let us recall that Rio Principle 10 talks of access to
administrative and judicial proceedings, including redress and
remedy. Chemical management is intricately related to public health
concerns and chemical contamination is a major issue related to
environmental justice. It is important that countries develop their own
nationally appropriate legislations to provide for quick and effective
compensation. In this context, I am happy to inform that India is
taking concrete steps towards this goal. A draft National Green
Tribunal Bill is under consideration by our Parliament and the lower
House has just passed the Bill. The Legislation seeks to provide a
platform which would allow an individual to appeal for damages in an
environment related accident.
Finally, Mr. Chair, Para 93 of the Secretary-General?s report
calls for reviewing, updating and strengthening national legislations
and policies on chemicals. It is important to emphasize the reviews
must naturally be undertaken by national authorities, rather than
through international mechanisms.
Thank you.
Thank you for giving me the floor. We would also like to thank
the Secretary General for the report on the subject. Permit me to make
a few points.
The imperative of eliminating the production and use of harmful
chemicals is well recognized. However, there is a need for costeffective
and environmentally-sound alternative products to be
developed before initiating the phasing out process of such chemicals
in developing countries. For example, DDT has an important role in
vector control and has a public health interface. While India supports
and has eliminated usage of DDT in agriculture, we continue to use it
for malaria control. Similarly, the use of generic pesticides is a
necessity in the Indian agricultural sector at present because of its
food security implications. I am sure similar problems are faced by
our fellow developing countries.
Clearly, the access and dissemination of enhanced technology
by developing countries is a key pre-requisite in this process. Ways
and means have to be evolved for technology transfer and flow of
financial resources from the North to the South in order to accelerate
the phasing out process.
Another issue relates to compensation for environmental
damage. Let us recall that Rio Principle 10 talks of access to
administrative and judicial proceedings, including redress and
remedy. Chemical management is intricately related to public health
concerns and chemical contamination is a major issue related to
environmental justice. It is important that countries develop their own
nationally appropriate legislations to provide for quick and effective
compensation. In this context, I am happy to inform that India is
taking concrete steps towards this goal. A draft National Green
Tribunal Bill is under consideration by our Parliament and the lower
House has just passed the Bill. The Legislation seeks to provide a
platform which would allow an individual to appeal for damages in an
environment related accident.
Finally, Mr. Chair, Para 93 of the Secretary-General?s report
calls for reviewing, updating and strengthening national legislations
and policies on chemicals. It is important to emphasize the reviews
must naturally be undertaken by national authorities, rather than
through international mechanisms.
Thank you.
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