‘Gaushalas’ in Rajasthan have stopped using veterinary drugs toxic to vultures: BNHS

The recent report by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) highlighting the cessation of toxic veterinary drug use and adoption of nature-friendly dead cattle disposal methods by 'Gaushalas' (cow shelters) in Rajasthan is a significant positive development for India's critically endangered vulture populations. This initiative positions these traditional institutions as crucial allies in biodiversity conservation, a role that has immense ecological and public health implications.

To truly appreciate this development, one must understand the catastrophic decline of vultures in India. In the 1990s and early 2000s, India witnessed an unprecedented collapse in its vulture populations, with some species experiencing a 97-99% decline. The primary culprit was identified as Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used to treat livestock. While safe for cattle, Diclofenac proved lethal to vultures that scavenged on the carcasses of treated animals. Vultures would suffer renal failure within days of consuming contaminated meat, leading to mass mortality. This crisis was particularly devastating for species like the Oriental White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, and Slender-billed Vulture, all of which are now critically endangered.

Following extensive advocacy and scientific evidence presented by organizations like BNHS, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, banned the veterinary use of Diclofenac in 2006 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This was a landmark decision, but the challenge remained in ensuring compliance and finding safe alternatives. The ban was later extended to other vulture-toxic NSAIDs like Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac in 2015. Despite these bans, the illegal or unregulated use of these drugs, or even human formulations being diverted for veterinary use, continued to pose a threat.

This is where the actions of Rajasthan's Gaushalas become critically important. Gaushalas are traditional institutions dedicated to the welfare of cows and often manage large herds of cattle, including sick and old animals. Their decision to discontinue the use of veterinary drugs toxic to vultures and, crucially, to adopt nature-friendly methods for disposing of dead cattle directly addresses the core problem. By ensuring that carcasses are free from harmful residues, these Gaushalas are creating 'vulture safe zones' – areas where vultures can feed without risk of poisoning. The key stakeholders involved are diverse: the Gaushalas themselves, as frontline implementers; the BNHS, as the scientific body monitoring and reporting on conservation efforts; the state government of Rajasthan, whose policies and enforcement are vital; and ultimately, the vulture species, whose survival hinges on such actions. Farmers and cattle owners also play an indirect role by choosing safe veterinary practices.

The significance of this development for India is multi-faceted. Ecologically, vultures are nature's most efficient scavengers. They play a vital role in cleaning up carcasses, thereby preventing the spread of diseases (like anthrax and rabies) to humans and other animals. Their decline led to an increase in feral dog populations, which took over the scavenging niche, leading to a rise in rabies cases. Culturally, vultures hold a place in Indian traditions, often associated with death rituals and the cycle of life. The revival of vulture populations is therefore not just about biodiversity but also about maintaining ecological balance and public health.

Constitutionally, the protection of wildlife and environment is enshrined in India's legal framework. Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country." Furthermore, Article 51A(g) lists it as a Fundamental Duty of every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides the legal framework for the protection of endangered species, with vultures listed in Schedule I, conferring the highest level of protection. The National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (NAPVC) 2020-2025 further outlines the government's strategy for their recovery, including establishing vulture safe zones and promoting safe drug alternatives.

The future implications of this initiative are promising. If replicated across other states and rigorously implemented, it could significantly aid in the recovery of vulture populations. It highlights the potential for traditional institutions to contribute to modern conservation goals. However, challenges remain, including ensuring the sustained availability and affordability of safe alternative drugs (like Meloxicam), continued monitoring for compliance, and expanding awareness campaigns among all stakeholders. This success story from Rajasthan can serve as a model, demonstrating that collective action, informed by scientific research and supported by policy, can reverse ecological damage and foster a more sustainable coexistence between human activities and wildlife.