Arulagam Launches New Initiative to Protect Vultures from Lethal Drugs | 24 Nov 2025

Arulagam inaugurated a Vulture Safe Veterinary First-Aid Kit and conducted a comprehensive vulture conservation awareness programme at Thengumarahada village in The Nilgiris. The initiative aims to protect endangered vulture species from the fatal effects of banned veterinary drugs.

The event, held on November 24, 2025, was presided over by Mr. V. Balakrishnan, Joint Director of the Nilgiris Regional Animal Husbandry Department, and was attended enthusiastically by 33 livestock owners from the village.

Focus on Safe Veterinary Practices - 

The programme’s core message centered on mitigating the primary threat to vultures: the use of illegal and lethal Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aceclofenac, Ketoprofen, and Nimesulide in livestock. 

• Ms. Sundari, Biologist at Arulagam, highlighted the critical ecological role of vultures as "nature’s clean-up crew," noting their importance in preventing disease spread. She strongly advocated for the use of government-approved safe alternatives, including Meloxicam and Tolfenamic acid, while also encouraging traditional Siddha medicines.
• Joint Director Mr. V. Balakrishnan underscored the ecological significance of Thengumarahada village and stressed that banned drugs remain a major threat requiring continuous public awareness and participation.

The participants demonstrated strong commitment by expressing their willingness to utilize the Vulture Safe First-Aid Kits provided by Arulagam for their livestock.

• Mr. Paraman, Arulagam’s Vulture Welfare Coordinator, detailed the organization’s ongoing conservation efforts. Deputy Director Mr. Parimalraj highlighted how the customary practices of the Parsi community historically support the vulture's natural feeding cycle. Mr. Jabez John, Arulagam’s Tribal Welfare Coordinator, shared a unique cultural perspective, explaining that while vultures were historically known as Pinam Thinni Kazhugu (carcass-eating vultures), Sangam literature respectfully refers to them as Paaru Kazhugu.

The event concluded with the distribution of vulture awareness pamphlets by Ms. Revathi (Sociologist), and the presentation of vulture artwork painted on coconut shells by artist Mr. Santhosh to the dignitaries, celebrating the successful inauguration of this vital conservation program. 

Recognising that vulture-lethal banned drugs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs ) are used for treating Mastitis, pain, and inflammation, we introduced a Vulture Safe First-Aid Kit in a remote village. The kit contains safer alternatives, such as Meloxicam, and traditional medicine prepared by YourFarm, thereby preventing contamination of the vulture food chain. Mr. S. Bharathidasan, Secretary of Arulagam, described the intervention: The event was organised as a precision attack.