Hosabelaku Seva Trust Launches Rehabilitation Centre for Endosulfan Victims

Udupi: For decades, the endosulfan tragedy has left a painful legacy in coastal Karnataka. Now, a glimmer of hope shines through. The Hosabelaku Seva Trust near Bailur in Karkala Taluk of Udupi district is stepping forward with a compassionate initiative: a rehabilitation center exclusively for specially-abled girls who have been victims of the endosulfan disaster.

Giving details about the project Hosabelaku Ashram Managing Trustee Tanula Tarun said that the Bhoomi Puja for the Sevashram building will be held on January 12. Dr. Ravindranath Shanbhog, President of the Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi District Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari, and renowned psychiatrist Dr. P.V. Bhandari will be the guests.

She expressed hope that the community would unite to support the cause.

The pesticide, sprayed across cashew plantations by the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation between 1980 and 2000, left over 12,000 people in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Karwar districts grappling with severe health issues. The most heartbreaking impact has been on children, many of whom were born with debilitating physical and developmental disabilities.

In 2011, in response to a petition filed by the Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi and others, the Supreme Court ordered the ban on the use and sale of Endosulfan across the country. Subsequently, in 2013, the Foundation approached the Karnataka High Court and successfully secured compensation for 8,600 survivors of this tragic disaster.

“More than 4,000 of these victims are girls, many of whom are bedridden. While their parents cared for them during their lifetimes, many of these girls are now between 10 to 40 years old, with some having lost their parents as well. Over 80 percent of the affected individuals are girls living with disabilities. Around 900 of these victims are unable even to sit up and are spending their lives confined to their bed. Taking Care of them in their one-room huts has been extremely difficult, especially as remote villages lack essential medical facilities,” she said.

Though the government issued an order on Aug 31, 2013 to establish Rehabilitation centers in every district. This order has yet to be fully implemented due to various reasons.

Noticing these challenges, the Hosabelaku Seva Trust in Bailur, Karkala, has taken the initiative to set up a Rehabilitation center for 150 girls. This project is being supported by several public interest organizations, including the Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi.

The first phase of the project, expected to be completed by June 2025, will accommodate 50 girls. Subsequently, the construction of the first and second floors is planned to be completed approximately within one year. Selection will prioritize those with over 80 percent disability and those in dire circumstances. The committee of experts, including government doctors will guide the selection process.

Dr. Ravindranath Shanbhog lauded the initiative. “This would definitely help the endosulfan affected girls,” he said.