Submit report by November 25: Gauhati High Court

GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Deputy Solicitor General of India RKD Choudhury told the Gauhati High Court on Wednesday that the reconstituted sample collection team would survey, collect and report the use of pesticides/insecticides in various agricultural products, including tea, in Assam. He said that the team would initiate its work on November 2, 2022, and take about two weeks. The High Court requested the committee to submit the report by November 25, 2022.

The High Court adjourned the hearing of the PIL (18/2018) to November 28, 2022.

The reconstituted committee comprises Indian Agriculture Research Institute's Principal Scientist and Project Coordinator Dr Vandana Tripathi, Chemistry Joint Director in the Secretariat of CIB & RC Subhash Chand, RCIPMC's Deputy Director and Office in-charge Dr Shamim, BCKV's Assistant Residue Analyst and AINP on pesticide residues Dr Rajib Karmakar, Tea Board of India's Deputy Director Kamal Chandra Baishya and Assam Agriculture Deputy Director Nripen Chandra Medhi.

The groundwater contamination needs separate consideration as it relates to the use of chemical pesticides in the agricultural fields in Assam. The petitioner sought appropriate action.

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