Carbosulfan

Why in News?

The Government published a draft order in August 2026 proposing complete prohibition of Carbosulfan in India.

What is Carbosulfan?

  • An insecticide
  • Belongs to the carbamate group.

Toxicity

Carbosulfan is considered highly hazardous because:

  • It is rapidly metabolised into carbofuran.
  • Carbofuran causes severe cholinesterase inhibition.
  • It can cause acute systemic toxicity.

Environmental Concerns

Potential impacts on:

  • Birds
  • Pollinators
  • Aquatic organisms
  • Other non-target species

Regulatory Development

An expert committee constituted in January 2026 examined its continued use.

The Registration Committee recommended complete prohibition covering:

  • Manufacture
  • Import
  • Transport
  • Distribution
  • Sale
  • Use

The August notification was a draft order, with provision for objections/suggestions before final action.

Prelims Pointer: Carbosulfan → Carbamate insecticide → cholinesterase inhibition → carbofuran metabolite.