Latest news with #Arulagam
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Awareness programme for pharmacists on banned veterinary drugs that affect vultures held
An awareness programme for pharmacists to sensitise them about banned veterinary drugs that affect wildlife, specifically endangered vulture species, was held recently at Cairn Hill in Udhagamandalam. The event was organised by Arulagam, a conservation NGO with the participation of the Department of Drug Control, State Forest Department as well as the Department of Animal Husbandry. Pharmacists from 40 pharmacies from Coonoor, Udhagamandalam, Kotagiri, Gudalur, Pandalur and Manjoor in the Nilgiris participated, a press release said. S. Marimuthu, Assistant Director, Coimbatore North Zone, Department of Drug Control, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the swift action taken by the government after the ban on Nimesulide. 'A circular was immediately sent to every available drug outlet,' he stated. 'We conducted raids, ensured immediate return of banned drugs in stock, and revoked licences of pharmacies that violated the ban.' He added that 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% of banned drugs are no longer available in retail sales, he said. Meanwhile, M. Dhayanandan, Forest Range Officer, Siriyur, spoke of the synchronised survey conducted for vultures across three States, highlighting the current population and nest counts. He also spoke about the ongoing Forest Department efforts to remove lantana camara plants, continuous monitoring in the nesting areas, compensation for cattle killed by tiger attacks, and awareness programmes for students and other stakeholders, the press release added. S. Bharathidasan, secretary, Arulagam, delivered a presentation titled 'Vultures: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.' He spoke of the cause for the sudden decline in vulture population over a short period in India, the current trends, and the steps being taken by Central and State government departments to maintain and restore the population. He also highlighted steps that needed to be taken to increase vulture population and said that if vultures go extinct, that the Nilgiris biosphere will be greatly affected, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the future of vultures. Also present at the event was C. Sreekumar from the Tamil Nadu University of Veterinary Sciences, K. Gopal, president, Nilgiris District Drug Dealers Association, Sridhar, a wildlife zoo veterinarian, as well as volunteers from Arulagam.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Awareness programme on vulture conservation held in Udhagamandalam
Arulagam, a non-governmental organisation, conducted a one-day awareness programme for pharmacists on the banned veterinary drugs that are harmful to vultures, at the Cairn Hill Forest Campus on Saturday. Following the ban on the drugs Diclofenac, Aceclofenac and Ketoprofen, the Government of India has banned the use of 'Nimesulide' for animals from January 1, 2025, intending to protect the endangered 'Paaru' vulture. Protecting the endangered species is a collective responsibility, and for the past 15 years, Arulagam has been actively working alongside the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Drugs Control Department, and Animal Husbandry Department to prevent the extinction of this rare species in the Nilgiris. During the awareness programme, experts from the Forest Department and the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) emphasised the vital role vultures play in the ecosystem and the necessity of spreading awareness among pharmacists to refrain from dispensing the banned drugs, harmful to the species.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Thalavady Farmers' Foundation appeals for educational support for hill area students
The Thalavady Farmers' Foundation has appealed to the public to provide educational support to students from the remote Thalavadi Hills, enabling them to continue their school and college education. In a press release, foundation's president S. Kannaiyan stated that the organisation, in association with Arulagam, a Coimbatore-based conservation NGO, has been actively supporting the education of underprivileged and tribal children over the past year. According to the release, many students have been able to continue their education or return to school after dropping out, thanks to generous contributions from the public. The foundation is once again seeking support from philanthropists to help students continue their education in the 2025–26 academic year. The release noted that 15 students, including five former dropouts rejoining Class 9, are in need of sponsorships. Among them is a 22-year-old woman, a single mother to a five-year-old son who was married early, now determined to join Plus One and resume her studies. The foundation noted that supporters can sponsor a student either fully or partially or contribute toward specific needs such as school supplies, tuition fees, transportation, or examination fees. The total amount required to support all the students for the academic year is estimated to be between ₹4 and ₹5 lakh. For details, interested individuals can contact Mr. Kannaiyan at 94449-89543, the release added.
