The Stockholm Convention, ratified by India on 13.01.2006, is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). POPs are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are toxic to human beings and wildlife. POPs travel globally and can cause damage wherever they travel. The Convention that entered into force of 17th May, 2004, lays down that in its implementation, Governments will take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment.
The Stockholm Convention seeks the elimination or restriction of production and use of all intentionally produced POPs (industrial chemicals and pesticides). The Convention also seeks the continuing minimization and wherever feasible, ultimate elimination of the releases of unintentionally produced POPs such as dioxins and furans. At present, twenty one chemicals are covered under the Stockholm Convention, of which use of DDT is restricted in India. Use of DDT is banned for agricultural purposes; it is produced in a restricted manner for use in vector control only, as India has obtained exemption for use of DDT for vector control.
Stockpiles and wastes containing POPs must be managed and disposed of in a safe, efficient and environmentally sound manner, taking into account international rules, standards and guidelines. Each country is required to develop a plan for implementing its obligations under the Convention. A Global Environment Facility (GEF) has been set up as an interim financial mechanism, to assist the developing countries in implementation of the Convention.
