(a) whether the mercury based processes and products act as neuro toxicants and their use in the country have increased manifolds despite a reverse trend in other countries;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the fish in the coastal waters of the country have been diagnosed to have a high quantity of mercury in it; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government for substituting mercury-based processes and products?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SHRI BACHI SINGH RAWAT)
(a) to (d) Mercury acting as a neuro toxicant is a well documented fact through various researches conducted world over. There are no comprehensive data available indicating enhanced use of compounds with mercury in India. From the reports available on the permissible levels of mercury in Indian fish, fish products and fish in coastal waters, there is no evidence to indicate enhanced levels of mercury.