Telangana Assembly adopts resolutions on West Asia conflict and herbicide ban

The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed two resolutions condemning the West Asia conflict and urging a ban on paraquat dichloride. Leaders warned of global risks from the war and highlighted farmer deaths linked to the toxic herbicide, seeking immediate Central action

Hyderabad: The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Monday adopted two separate resolutions, with one condemning the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, and another urging the Centre to immediately ban paraquat dichloride, a hazardous herbicide linked to farmers’ deaths.

Moving the resolution on the war, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the conflict could escalate into the Third World War and become a larger global crisis if it continues unchecked. He said the war was already affecting economies across the world by disrupting petroleum supplies and other imports.

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He said thousands of civilians, including women and children, were killed in attacks on residential areas, schools and public infrastructure on both sides. The resolution urged the Centre to take diplomatic steps to de-escalate tensions.

In a separate resolution, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao called for an immediate ban on paraquat dichloride, citing its high toxicity and role in farmer deaths. He said the herbicide, already banned in about 70 countries, was widely used despite its dangers.

The Assembly was informed that nearly 2,000 farmers and farm workers were dying annually due to exposure to or consumption of the chemical. Members suggested that the State could impose an interim ban of 60 to 90 days and renew the ban, as done by Odisha and Kerala, until the Centre takes a final decision.