PrashantNews
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Saturday Inaugurated Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at the prestigious Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
“New Wildlife Research Facility will be a ‘Game-Changer’ for Biodiversity Conservation”, said Yadav during the inauguration function. The new facility is built on the foundation laid last year, when the Minister inaugurated the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) and issued its first unique ID barcode and certificate.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid and high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analyzing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously, experts said.
This allows researchers to gain deeper insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health. In wildlife conservation, NGS plays a pivotal role in identifying population genetic health with respect to genetic diversity, information on genetic barriers and their effect on populations, unique adaptations and species with unique evolutionary histories, understanding disease outbreaks, detecting illegal wildlife trade, and studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity. This cutting-edge NGS facility positions the Wildlife Institute of India as a leading centre for molecular and genetic research in wildlife conservation, enabling advanced studies in areas such as biodiversity genomics, population genetics, and disease surveillance.
Speaking on the occasion, Yadav said, “This facility is a game-changer for wildlife research in India. It empowers scientists with the latest tools to decode the genetic mysteries of our biodiversity and create science-based solutions to protect it. India, as a mega-diverse country, needs such advanced capabilities to ensure the survival of our precious wildlife for generations to come.”
The PCC represents a unique, self-sustaining initiative within a government organization, generating revenue while creating employment opportunities for budding professionals under the PPP model.
Yadav lauded the WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) for their collaborative efforts in establishing this world-class facility. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
In the year since its establishment, the PCC has certified over 15,000 shawls, ensuring their authenticity and the absence of mixing of other fibers, thus enabling seamless trade of genuine Pashmina products in both national and international markets. The upgraded Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification now includes a dedicated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), which enhances the precision and reliability of wool testing and certification.
The PCC, established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WII and the EPCH, exemplifies the government’s commitment to supporting artisans, weavers, and traders while fostering self-reliance in traditional handicrafts.