Sensitising Programme for Pharma Stockist and Retail Outlet Owners, Udhagamandalam, May 2025
Sensitising programme for stockist and retail outlet owners concerning banned veterinary drugs was held today at the Cairn Hill EDC Hall, Udhagamandalam. Organized by Arulagam with the active participation of the Department of Drug Control, Forest Department, and Animal Husbandry Department, the event saw over 40 drugstore owners, veterinarians from Coonoor, Udhagamandalam, Kotagiri, Gudalur, Pandalur, and Manjoor taluks.
Mr. S. Marimuthu, Assistant Director, Coimbatore North Zone, Department of Drug Control, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the swift action taken after the ban on Nimesulide. "A circular was immediately sent to every available drug outlet," he stated. "We conducted rapid raids, ensured immediate return of banned drugs in stock, and revoked licenses of pharmacies that violated the ban." He added that department drug inspectors are closely monitoring bulk medicine purchases. Due to regular instructions from Government Health and Environment Secretaries and the Director of the Drug Control Department, 99 percent of banned drugs are no longer available in retail sales. He also mentioned that government secretaries urged immediate action against companies violating the ban. However, purchasing the drug online is another issue that is difficult to deal with.
Mr. M. Dhayanandan, Forest Range Officer, Siriyur, discussed the results of synchronized survey conducted for vultures across three states, detailing their current numbers and nest counts. He also spoke about ongoing Forest Department efforts to remove lantana plants, continuous monitoring in the nesting areas, compensation for cattle killed by tiger attacks, and awareness programs for students and other stakeholders.
Dr. M. Karikalan, Scientist from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, explained the procedures and methodology involved before a drug is legally banned. He emphasized the continuous research underway to finalize which drugs are safe. Which are unsafe?. Dr. Thirumoolar, Joint Director of the Veterinary Department, as a special guest, raised questions about the effects of the drug Flunixin. Dr. Karikalan responded that studies on the drug's impacts are ongoing, and research in other countries has proven its harm to vultures.
Mr. S. Bharathidasan, Secretary, Arulagam, delivered a presentation titled "Vultures: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow." He highlighted the sudden decline in vulture populations over a short period, the current trends, and the steps being taken by central and state government departments to maintain and restore the population. He also highlighted What needs to be done by the pharma owners?" He also noted that the Nilgiris vulture population surpasses that of some other countries. Explaining the vital role of vultures with a simple example, he said, "If a rat dies in our house, we can't stay inside without throwing it away. If an elephant or buffalo dies in the forest, vultures often clean it up and remove it. If they are lost, the Nilgiris biosphere will be greatly affected." He emphasized that collaborative efforts are crucial for vulture survival.
Prof. Dr. C. Sreekumar, Tamil Nadu Veterinary University and Animal Sciences, underscored the importance of vultures, highlighting their flying ability and keen eyesight. He noted their resilience, even when consuming infected or rabies-infected animal carcasses. He also drew attention to the Vulture Conservation Action Plan 2020-2025 program, undertaken by both central and state governments. He also referenced Eyal Frank's studies on the five million human deaths that occurred in the absence of vultures.
Mr. K. Gopal, President, Nilgiris District Drug Dealers Association, acknowledged the importance of vultures and assured continued support for their conservation from association members. He stated, "We are providing good cooperation to the Drug Control Department and continuously providing instructions."
Dr. Sridhar, wildlife veterinarian has brought to light critical issues impacting wildlife health and conservation. In his speech, he detailed the severe effects of drug biomagnification, a process where toxins concentrate in organisms higher up the food chain, leading to detrimental health impacts on wildlife populations.
Further emphasizing the practical challenges and successes in conservation, Mr. Dr. Sridhar recounted the dedicated efforts and journey involved in the rescue of Cinerous Vultures (Aegypius monachus) and Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus).
Beyond direct intervention and ecological explanations, he also raised a significant and often overlooked question regarding the safe and environmentally sound mechanisms for disposing of expired medicines. This query underscores the potential risks that improperly discarded pharmaceuticals can pose to ecosystems and the wildlife within them, calling for greater attention and responsible management strategies.
A highlight of the event was a pledge taken not to sell banned drugs and drugs harmful to vultures. All attendees received a painting of a vulture by artist Mr. Santhosh.
A poster was developed. It included a warning message, details about punishments, and a list of harmful and safer drugs. The poster was given to all participants.
Ms. Nilitha Priyadarshini welcomed the gathering on behalf of Arulagam. The event was organized by Mr. Amirthalingam, Treasurer of Arulagam, and volunteers Ms. Trisya, Mr. Paraman, Mr. Santhosh, Ms. Revathi, and Ms. Sundari.
News reports about the event was covered by English and Tamil Newspapers -
