Mumbai…October
15, 2024 :The Glue Board
Manufacturers Association (GBMA), a coalition of glue board manufacturers and
suppliers, hosted a press conference today to address the spread of
misinformation about the use of glue boards for rodent control. The association
emphasized the vital role that glue boards play in maintaining public health,
food security, and the sustainability of various industries. They called upon
authorities to reconsider recent circulars that have led to confusion and
misinformation in the marketplace.
The press
conference was organized in response to a recent circular from the Animal
Welfare Board of India (AWBI) that was sent to Chief Secretaries across all
states and union territories, requesting action against the use of glue boards.
GBMA clarified that this communication is a circular, not an official ban.
However, several state Animal Husbandry Departments have issued similar
internal advisories, which have been misconstrued in some media reports as a
blanket ban on glue boards, creating unnecessary panic among traders and
disrupting their livelihoods.
Mukesh
Patel, Secretary of GBMA and Managing Director of Arbuda Agrochemicals, stated, “The ongoing misinformation
surrounding glue boards is not only damaging to our industry but also poses a
significant risk to public health and safety. We urge the authorities to engage
with us and all stakeholders to make informed decisions based on facts rather
than unfounded claims. It is crucial that we work together to ensure that
effective pest control solutions remain available to protect our communities.”
GBMA
emphasized that glue boards have long been recognized as an effective and
affordable tool for rodent control. They are widely used to protect public
health by controlling the spread of diseases such as leptospirosis and plague,
which can be transmitted by rodents. The association stressed that no
comprehensive studies have been conducted to assess which rodent control
methods might be considered cruel or to evaluate the availability of equally
effective alternatives to glue boards. Despite repeated representations, GBMA
members have not been given an opportunity to present their views, which they
argue violates the principles of natural justice.
The
association appealed to the relevant authorities to reconsider the circulars
and to engage in a dialogue with all stakeholders, including glue board
manufacturers, pest control operators, and affected industries. They emphasized
that banning glue boards would significantly disrupt industries reliant on
these tools for maintaining health and hygiene standards. GBMA remains committed
to advocating for a balanced regulatory approach that considers the interests
of both animal welfare and public health.
GBMA also
underscored its commitment to promoting the responsible use of glue boards,
ensuring their deployment is safe, effective, and ethical. The association
urges users to handle and dispose of glue boards responsibly to minimize
unintended harm to non-target species. The association stands ready to
collaborate with authorities and stakeholders to ensure that regulatory
decisions are informed by facts and practical realities.
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 of advancing 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: 9619626196 | Email: glueboardma@gmail.com
For
media queries, please contact: Sonia Kulkarni | Hunk Golden and Media
9820184099
| sonia.kulkarni@hunkgolden.in