HomeglobalThe human cost of a deadly weed killer: banning of paraquat in Telangana

The human cost of a deadly weed killer: banning of paraquat in Telangana

globalJune 13, 2026
1 min read
The human cost of a deadly weed killer: banning of  paraquat in Telangana
In March, Telangana banned paraquat, one of the world’s most widely used and highly toxic weedicides, becoming only the third State in India to do so. The herbicide is responsible for hundreds of deat
Reading Settings

At 50, Banoth Goud (name changed) has lived to tell a tale. “I may look normal, but I become breathless when I climb stairs or walk more than five minutes. The doctor says my lungs got affected,” he says.

About three years ago, on a sweltering afternoon, Goud opened his refrigerator, took out a small plastic bottle labelled with a popular juice brand, and took a sip. The drink did not have the sweet, tart apple flavour that he was used to; instead, it tasted flat. He began vomiting.

Published - June 13, 2026 06:15 am IST

Ground Zero / pesticides / suicide / farms / agriculture / Agriculture / Telangana

Source: The Hindu - India News

Share this article

Related Articles

Beyond high temperatures: understanding heat stress in Tamil Nadu
Jun 1411 hours ago

Beyond high temperatures: understanding heat stress in Tamil Nadu

It is no longer only about how high the temperature soars. As Tamil Nadu rolls out a Heat Action Plan and meteorologists track El Nino, attention is shifting towards understanding heat stress and how

article-7109881711 min read
Read More
Transfer of Kerala's Director of Health Services kicks up a row
Jun 1411 hours ago

Transfer of Kerala's Director of Health Services kicks up a row

The government order transferring her had a statement that Dr. Reena had availed 15 days’ leave during the epidemic period, setting off the speculation that she was booted out for seeking leave at a t

article-710975784 min read
Read More