To raise awareness among key stakeholders and the public about banned veterinary drugs affecting vulture conservation, a series of street theatre programmes were conducted from January 27 to February 1 in villages within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).
Organised by Arulagam, an NGO dedicated to vulture conservation, the programmes targeted veterinarians, pharmacists, cattle keepers, dairy societies, and the general public. Arulagam’s secretary, S. Bharathidasan, said that research has confirmed the harmful effects of the drug nimesulide on vultures, a keystone species in the ecosystem. In response, the Central Government has taken a significant step by banning the veterinary use of nimesulide. Notably, the drug has already been banned for use in children under 12 in India since 2011. The campaign also addressed other critical issues, such as the illegal use of high-voltage electric fences, carcass poisoning, and forest fires, he added.
At an event held in Karachikorai, Mr. Bharathidasan emphasised the crucial role of public participation, even in small ways, in conserving endangered species like vultures. He highlighted the importance of grass roots-level information dissemination. Veterinarians have been advised against using banned drugs such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, aceclofenac, and nimesulide, while pharmacists have been instructed not to sell these medications.
Artistes Ponraj, Kudalarasan, Udayashankar, Brinda, and Durga engaged audiences through songs, plays, and mimicry performances in various villages.
Published – February 03, 2025 06:23 pm IST