There has been an alarming decline in the number of vultures in Haryana posing a threat of outbreak of epidemics because of decaying carcasses. This was disclosed by Haryana Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Forest and Environment Prahlad Singh Gillankhera in Chandigarh on Wednesday. He emphasised on the need to carry out collective efforts for the conservation of vulture species.Gillakhera said during the last 15 years, their population in the Arawali Hills had shown a major fall. The species of vultures – White Backed, Long Billed and Slender Billed vulture – are on the verge of extinction. He said that vultures play a pivotal role in keeping the environment clean by removing carcasses rapidly and efficientlyHe was speaking at Pinjore near chandigarh after inaugurating the three-days workshop on Vulture Conservation Breeding programme. The Programme was organised by Central Zoo Authority of India in collaboration with Haryana Forest Department.