Mukesh Patel, Secretary, Glue Boards Manufacturers Association (GBMA)
and Managing Director, Arbuda Agrochemicals
Mumbai, September 16,
2024: The Glue Boards Manufacturers Association (GBMA), a coalition of leading
glue board manufacturers committed to advocating for the essential role of glue
boards in pest control, has taken a firm stance against recent actions by
several District Collectors in Gujarat who have moved to restrict the use and
sale of glue traps for rodent control. The association has applied to intervene
in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) currently under review by the Gujarat
High Court, asserting that these actions are premature and undermine the
judicial process.
Over the past three
weeks, certain District Collectors in Gujarat have independently initiated
measures to curb the use of glue traps, citing Section 11(i) of the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. This section states that "without
reasonable cause, abandoning an animal in the circumstances likely to cause it
pain, such as starvation or thirst, is a punishable offence". However, the
GBMA argues that these provisions of Section 11.1 do not apply to rodent
control measures, given the reasonable cause established under law, including
the guidelines of the Central Insecticides Board—Registration Committee
(CIB-RC).
The association has
pointed out that such moves by some district collectors are arbitrary and bad
in law as in the same act, Section 11.3 clearly states that “nothing in this
section 11.1 shall apply to (c.) the extermination or destruction of the animal
under the authority of any law for the time being in force;" Therefore, it
is evident that the rodent control is a legitimate extermination which is
exempted. The association asserts that rodent control is mandatory for food
safety under FSSAI, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), US FDA audits, and
other regulatory and governing bodies. The
GBMA strongly objects to these actions, arguing they are legally questionable
given the ongoing High Court case and could disrupt rodent management efforts
essential for public health and hygiene.
"Why are these
actions initiated when the matter is still sub judice and no order has yet been
pronounced?" GBMA questioned in a statement. The association insists that
glue traps are a critical tool in managing rodent populations, which is vital
for preventing the spread of diseases, ensuring food safety, and maintaining
hygiene standards. According to GBMA, the use of glue traps falls well within a
"reasonable cause". It is also exempted from the applications of
provisions of Section 11.1 as stated in Section 11.3 (c) as cited above,
thereby making the actions by the District Collectors both arbitrary and
condemnable.
The Central Insecticides
Board—Registration Committee (CIB-RC), a nodal authority regulating
insecticides, rodenticides and pesticides, has recently eased licensing
requirements to make household pest control solutions more accessible.
Stakeholders have widely welcomed this initiative of CIB-RC as it supports
public health initiatives by simplifying access to essential pest management
products. Mukesh Patel, Secretary of Glue Boards Manufacturers Association
(GBMA) and Managing Director, Arbuda Agrochemicals, said that "while there
is a need to make the pest control products accessible to the general public,
as initiated by CIB-RC, the move by some Gujarat Collector's is regressive,
contradictory and undermine such efforts, leading to confusion and potential
public health risks".
The GBMA warns that any
sudden restriction on the use of glue traps could significantly disrupt
industries in Gujarat that rely on these tools to maintain quality standards
and ensure compliance with quality and public health regulations. "If
essential tools like glue boards are discontinued, public health authorities
will face tremendous challenges in managing the rodent menace," the
association cautioned.
The GBMA calls on
authorities to refrain from taking any further action until the Gujarat High
Court has rendered its decision on the matter. "Such acts by some
collectors in Gujarat will only lead to confusion and chaos and are totally
uncalled for," the GBMA emphasised.
The association advocates
for a balanced approach that considers animal welfare concerns and the
necessity of effective rodent management to protect public health and safety.
As the legal debate continues, the outcome of the PIL in the Gujarat High Court
will be closely watched by all stakeholders involved in pest control, public
health, and animal welfare across the country.
About the
Glue Boards Manufacturers Association (GBMA): The
Glue Boards Manufacturers Association (GBMA) is a coalition of leading glue
board manufacturers committed to advocating for the essential role of glue
boards in pest control. The GBMA aims to ensure the availability and ethical
use of glue boards through engagement with regulatory bodies, public education,
and promotion of best practices. GBMA is united in its initiatives to advance
pest control methods through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy. The
association aims to ensure the continued availability and effective use of glue
boards as a crucial tool in integrated pest management strategies.
For more
information about the Glue Boards Manufacturers Association (GBMA): Office
Contact: +91 96196 26196 | Email: glueboardma@gmail.com
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queries, please contact - Sonia Kulkarni | Hunk Golden
9820184099 |
sonia.kulkarni@hunkgolden.in