Dehradun: Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and the Next Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) Facility at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, was also present at the event, which marked a significant milestone in wildlife conservation and traditional handicrafts authentication.
The state-of-the-art NGS facility brings cutting-edge genomic technology to India’s wildlife conservation efforts. Capable of decoding entire genomes rapidly, this facility enables the analysis of genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and the health of wildlife populations. It is instrumental in understanding disease outbreaks, climate change impacts on biodiversity, and curbing illegal wildlife trade.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav called the facility a “game-changer,” adding, “This empowers scientists with the latest tools to decode the genetic mysteries of our biodiversity and develop science-based solutions for its protection. India’s status as a megadiverse country necessitates such advanced capabilities.”
Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized the importance of indigenous technology, stating, “With the NGS facility, we are equipping ourselves to address modern conservation challenges with precision and innovation. Developing indigenous capacities is vital for India’s forward progress.”
The NGS facility is set to bolster research on endangered species, including tigers, elephants, and river dolphins, while paving the way for novel conservation strategies.
The Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification builds upon the foundation laid last year with the establishment of the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC). Since its inception, the PCC has certified over 15,000 shawls, ensuring the authenticity and purity of Pashmina fibers for seamless trade in domestic and international markets.
The upgraded facility now features a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) for advanced fiber analysis. This technology enhances the precision of wool testing and ensures unique ID tagging and e-certificates for traceability and quality assurance.
Pashmina, a cornerstone of livelihoods for Jammu & Kashmir’s artisan and weaver communities, receives a significant boost through the PCC. By certifying genuine products, the facility enhances credibility in global markets and promotes fair trade practices.
Moreover, the PCC indirectly contributes to wildlife conservation by discouraging the use of prohibited fibers like Shahtoosh, protecting the endangered Tibetan antelope (Chiru).
The PCC, developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), is a testament to the government’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat. The initiative not only supports artisans but also generates revenue and employment opportunities for young professionals.
These facilities reflect India’s focus on integrating advanced technologies into conservation and sustainable development. By empowering wildlife research and traditional industries, the government aims to balance ecological preservation with economic growth.