(a) the names of the highly toxic chemicals listed in the category of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) ;
(b) whether some more harmful chemicals are proposed to be added to this category;
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Union Government has ratified/proposes to ratify Stockholm Convention of United Nations on Environment; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) are chemicals which persist in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms and are toxic to humans and wildlife. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants covers 12 POPs viz. 8 pesticides (aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene); 2 industrial chemicals (poly chlorinated biphenyls or PCBs and hexachlorobenzene) and 2 unintended by products (dioxins and furans). The Convention was adopted in May, 2001 and came into force on 17th May, 2004
(b)&(c) Five new chemicals namely - Pentabromodiphenyl ether, Chlordecone , Hexabromobiphenyl, Lindane, and Perfluorooctane sulfonate are under consideration of the POPs Review committee of the Stockholm Convention, for inclusion. The proposed chemicals are suspected to exhibit POP characteristics.
(d) & (e) India has deposited its instrument of Ratification on 13th January, 2006 . The
Convention shall enter into force for India on the ninetieth day after the date of deposit of its instrument of ratification..