K''taka govt''s Endosulfan ban challenged in HC

Bangalore, Feb 18 (PTI) The Endosulfan Manufacturers'' andFormulators'' Welfare Association (EMFWA) today filed apetition in the Karnataka High Court challenging the banimposed by the state government on the use of the pesticide.

The petition prayed for a direction to the stategovernment not to withdraw production and sale of Endosulfanin the state, and also not make any "ad-hoc" statement thatmight harm the interests of the manufacturers and traders.

EMFWA contended that the decision was "arbitrary andmotivated" and said there was no link between use ofEndosulfan and allegations of health problems.

EMFWA asserted that there was no scientific evidencethat the usage of Endosulfan caused illness.

The Karnataka Government banned use of Endosulfan withimmediate effect yesterday citing health hazards.