Varanasi: In the recently organised national conference, ‘Rasameemamsa-2026′, by the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, a historic “Jamnagar Declaration” for the availability of mercury for the preparation of Ayurvedic Medicnes was adopted. The genesis of the Jamnagar Declaration was sparked by a proposal from Prof Anand Chaudhary of BHU. He participated as a subject expert in the two-day conference held on March 6 and 7 at ITRA. It was presented to the public by ITRA leaders Prof Tanuja Nesari and Prof BJ Patgiri.Prof Chaudhary said that this strategic framework is designed to revolutionise the quality, safety, and efficacy of ‘Rasaushadhi Ayurvedic Formulations’ that combine herbs with metals and minerals. By bringing together a transdisciplinary cohort of experts from IITs, regulatory bodies like CCRAS, and leading pharmaceutical industries, the declaration establishes a rigorous roadmap for the future of ayurvedic chemistry and therapeutics.Following extensive deliberations, it was resolved to formulate a set of recommendations to guide future research and practices aimed at strengthening the quality, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of Rasaushadhi, particularly mercurial formulations. He said that a primary pillar of the Jamnagar Declaration is the call for sustainable mercury management through the establishment of ‘Mercury Banks’. He said that the declaration mandates the adoption of safer pharmaceutical operational practices to minimise occupational hazards during the processing of lead, arsenic, and sulphur.
