Haridwar, January 19
The vulture population in Rajaji National Park, which was almost on the verge of extinction during the last decade, has seen an improvement in the past four to five years.

According to data, there are a total of nine species of vultures in the entire country out of which five are found in Rajaji National Park. These include King Vulture, Eurasian Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, White-backed Vulture and Himalayan Griffon. Of these, the smallest is the Egyptian Vulture while the Himalayan Griffon is the biggest.

The White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) is already classified as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) in the year 2000. Two years later, it was also listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

In the Rajaji Park, studies on vultures have revealed that their population, especially after the Gujjars were relocated from the area and certain steps taken by the park authorities, has increased over the past few years. The study said human movement in the park was affecting the ecological cycle of vultures. The White-backed vulture, which was put in the threatened category by the Bird Life International Organisation, is now frequently seen.

However, only a decade ago vultures were vanishing fast, which was attributed to several factors by scientists. Chief among them was pesticides: It was found that since vultures feed on cattle, which sometimes have lethal levels of chemicals - including DDT, aldrien, dieldrin that are used for increasing milk yield - inside their bodies, it was indirectly affecting the vultures as well.

The scenario reached such a point that the government of India amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Act last year, to affirm the ban on diclofenac and thereby giving a boost to vulture conservation efforts in the country.

Secondly, the destruction of habitat and lack of food was cited as a reason. As the butchery industry begun to clean carcasses of all meat and dump just skeletons, vultures were deprived of food. Vultures also kept away due to increased habitation around the butcheries.

“Forest fires were also a reason behind their dwindling numbers as the vultures’ nests were burnt, depriving them of shelter,” said forest scientist Dr Ritesh Joshi. According to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWFN), vultures were on the verge of extinction due to habitat destruction.

But now, experts feel that the sudden increase in the number of vultures inside Rajaji is due to restoration of the right ecological balance. “Also due to the huge left over food, which has also increased, vultures are thriving,” said Dr Ritesh.

Rajaji Park director SS Rassailly said the exact details of the number of vultures is yet to come, but it’s a good sign that their population is increasing.

Forest Warden IS Siddiqui said to ascertain the number of vultures is difficult, but its evident even to the naked eye that their numbers in the Park have increased.

Notably, vultures, being voracious scavengers, play an important role in the ecological cycle. By feeding on carcasses left in the open, they facilitate their decomposition and prevent outbreak of diseases, making them an indispensable ecological asset. 

Dehradun, January 19
Tangy pickles not only make bland food tastier but even adds nutritious value if eaten in right proportion. Dehradun, the city better known for its bakery, has also got some old famous pickle shops which are offering authentic home-made pickles. With renowned pickle companies like Mothers pickle, MTR, Tops available in the market, a large number of people still want to have these home-maid pickles.

“Five years ago when I started my pickle business from home, I used to make only non-veg pickles from chicken, mutton, pork and fish but with demand coming in from vegetarians I started making veg pickels also,” said Avatar Krishan Sood, an ex-employee of UB Group who loves to make pickles and chutneys. Presently, I have 20 varieties in veg pickles, including mango, lemon, chillies, carrot, radish, tulip pickles with chutneys of apple, strawberry, mango and other seasonal fruits. Non-veg pickles are available for Rs 200 per kg and veg costs Rs 100,” said Avatar.

However, famous markets like Paltan Bazaar also offers unlimited variety of pickles and depending on the budget, taste and season, customers can pick pickles of their choice. “We have got 70 varieties of vegetables and fruits pickles. During winters people mostly prefer to take amla murraba or garlic pickles as it keeps body warm and is also good for digestion. The prize ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 100 per kg,” said Sushil Kumar Mittal, who runs Swadist Achar Bhandar from past 60 years.

“Where market pickles are costlier and has very limited variety, home-made pickles are fresh, tastier and has a wide range of varieties. We have even got non-oily pickles of bitter gourd, gourd and lemon. Whereas, for children we have got chilly garlic chutneys which can be eaten with sandwiches and parathas. My pickles are preferred by NRI’s and we even prepare pickles according to the customers’ choice and taste,” said Avatar Krishna Sood.

“I love home-maid pickles as my mother doesn’t know how to make them, I prefer to take from Paltan Bazaar because it’s fresh and tasty,” said Meenakshi Sharma, a student.

“I am in pickle business from past 20 years and people in Dehradun are very found of mixed pickle and they appreciate our work,” said Devendra Arora owner of Meenakshi Achars. “Chutneys, murrabas and pickles can be stored for one year and if eaten in right quantity some of these things are best for stomach ailments and even helps in digestion,” said Avatar Krishna Sood.