The Zoological Survey of India will establish five DNA laboratories in Dehradun, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune with the objective of restraining wildlife poachers. Union Ministry of Environment & Forests has given its nod to Zoological Survey of India for setting ups the labs. For setting lab in Dehradun, the Ministry has sanctioned Rs 90 lakhs for infrastructure. Already laboratory apparatus and equipments worth Rs 40 lakhs has been delivered at the regional office of Zoological survey department in Dehradun.
The laboratory set by the country’s premier organisation in zoological research and studies will carry out the DNA test of animals listed under Wildlife Protection Act, in order to keep a tab on poaching of these species.
The main aim behind setting DNA test centers is help the wildlife experts in the investigation of dead animals and body parts smuggled to different countries for therapeutic and spiritual purposes. By DNA test it will also become easy to trace out that the dead animal found was being poached or killed by another animal. Besides, it will also help to check the series of development in animal genes and the evolution of animals. Generally, smugglers get bail from the court due to lack of evidence as wildlife authorities fail to produce concrete proof on the genetic code of the animals.
Also, Assistant Director of ZSI, PT Bhutia informed that the design of the lab has been sent to Civil Construction unit of CPWD. It is expected that the construction work will begin from November 2011. At Present, arrangements for DNA test of wildlife and aquatic animals are available only at Hyderabad.
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