The slowdown in the economy may be affecting diners eating out, but even vultures are partial to dining at "restaurants.” The number of raptors partaking of diclofenac-free cattle carcasses has declined at several centers set up in Maharashtra. The 
eateries refer to a 650 sq m stony ground at a clearing in a forest or sanctuary, adjoining a water source, where the birds can feed, noted the Indian Express (IE) of February 16, 2020. The first such facility was set up five years ago at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, followed by five other such facilities in the state, noted IE.
Explaining this situation, an unnamed forest department official told IE that "the birds may have found food elsewhere.” The restaurant in Harsul (Nasik district) which initially saw over 100 visiting vultures is now down to "50 to 60.” Deputy conservator of forests, Nasik (west), Shivaji Phule told IE that their next step is to incentivize villagers by paying Rs 500 to those who provide diclofenac-free dead animals. The eatery in Gadchiroli is, however, reportedly "working well,” with the forest department officials purchasing the carcasses from villagers after testing for the absence of diclofenac.
Vultures have disappeared from doongerwadis across India. In their place, solar panels have been installed next to the dakhmas in many places. But during the monsoon, the panels are ineffective as rainwater prevents the dehydration of the corpses.