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This is an archive article published on April 22, 2006

COURSE of INACTION

After a group of Pakistani scientists identified diclofenac as the cause of deadly visceral gout in vultures, meeting after meeting was held to find a solution. On the ground, no action yet as vultures continue to die

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2004 February: International summit meet at Kathmandu reaches consensus on the role of veterinary diclofenac in vulture mortality. India proposes to host a multidisciplinary workshop to develop roadmap for conservation and identify safer and affordable alternative to diclofenac

The same month, international workshop at Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, recommends outright ban on veterinary use of diclofenac

April: At a national seminar, diclofenac manufacturers agree to stop production if a ban is in place

July: MoEF secretary circulates the note to chief secretaries of states requesting ban on diclofenac

November: India moves IUCN motion in Bangkok and three vulture species endemic to India is included in the Red List

2005

March: At National Board for Wildlife meet, Prime Minister issues directive to phase out diclofenac in 6 months

April: MoEF, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture hold meetings

July: MoEF and Ministry of Revenue discuss the issue

July: Testing of alternative drug meloxicam begins at IVRI

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August: No agreement on banning human use of diclofenac. MoEF writes to revenue ministry for environmental cess to be levied on diclofenac meant for human use to discourage its veterinary use

October: Inter-ministry meeting among officials of MoEF, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture

2006 January: MoEF holds international vulture meet. Minister A. Raja calls for coordinated efforts, both within country and in the region to completely stop use of veterinary diclofenac

 

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