Shimla: Unchecked over-the-counter sale of globally banned veterinary drug diclofenac in Himachal Pradesh has put a question mark on the government's effort in phasing out the drug that has been proven fatal for the endangered vulture. After a steep fall in vulture count, which was related to use of diclofenac on livestock, as the bird ingests the drug while feeding on carcasses of such cattle, the bird was declared endangered and the drug was banned globally and in India during 2007. While directing the Drug Controller of India to phase out diclofenac, the government had asked for its replacement with meloxicam in mid-August, 2006. Surprisingly, both the veterinary drugs are simultaneously available in Himachal, as found out by the Research and Welfare Organisation (RWO), a voluntary body, which has even filed a public interest litigation in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. RWO chairman Sanjay Thakur has supported the PIL with his own experience of walking up to a drug store in Shimla to buy both the drugs, which were easily given to him without a prescription. The drug is also available at many other places in Himachal, says Sanjay. "Diclofenac, with brand name dicloplus, which was sold to me, was manufactured in April 2007 and bears an expiry date of December 2010. If the old stocks are being supplied in the market illegally, which can be used at least till 2010, does this mean that all conservation and breeding efforts are futile?' questions Sanjay through his petition. The petition is expected to come up for hearing soon. When contacted, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, B.C. Bisht said, "We have directed all field officers against prescribing the drug since it is banned. It was also struck off the government stock list. Its sale in the market has to be regulated by the drug controller, to whom the department had written long ago.'