Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated two state-of-the-art facilities at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun: the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and the Next Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) Facility.
Next-Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) Facility:
- What It Does: The NGS facility enables rapid, high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analyzing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously. This technology is crucial for:
- Assessing genetic diversity and population health.
- Understanding evolutionary relationships and adaptations.
- Monitoring disease outbreaks.
- Detecting illegal wildlife trade.
- Evaluating climate change effects on biodiversity.
- Significance: Positions WII as a leader in molecular and genetic wildlife research, supporting studies in biodiversity genomics, population genetics, and disease surveillance. The facility will bolster conservation efforts for endangered species like tigers, elephants, and riverine dolphins.
Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification:
- Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC): Since its establishment last year, PCC has certified over 15,000 shawls, ensuring their authenticity and fiber purity. This promotes seamless trade of genuine Pashmina in national and international markets.
- Upgraded Features:
- Inclusion of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), enhancing the accuracy and reliability of wool testing and certification.
The Pashmina Goat and Its Significance:
- Changthangi Goat: Indigenous to Ladakh’s high-altitude regions, these goats produce the world’s finest cashmere wool, measuring 12-15 microns in thickness. The wool is handspun and traditionally woven in Kashmir.
- Cultural and Economic Importance: Domesticated by the nomadic Changpa community in Ladakh’s Changthang region, Pashmina wool contributes to the livelihoods of these communities.
- GI Certification: Ladakh’s Pashmina Wool holds a Geographical Indication (GI) Registration Certificate, ensuring the preservation of its heritage and authenticity.
