Guwahati, March 3: The Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) of Aaranyak, a pioneering facility in wildlife genetics and forensics in Northeast India, marked another milestone with the launch of its official website – www.wildlifegeneticslab.in – and a comprehensive guidebook on service and sample collection protocols for wildlife DNA forensic investigations.
The event, held at Aaranyak’s Administrative Office in Beltola here on Monday, was graced by eminent dignitaries including Dr. Probodh Borah, Director of Research (Veterinary Sciences), Assam Agricultural University, as the Chief Guest, and Mrinal Talukdar, renowned journalist, author, and documentary maker, as the Guest of Honour.
Welcoming the gathering, Jimut Prasad Sarma, President of Aaranyak, reflected on the organisation’s enduring commitment to science-based conservation. The event also saw participation from other Executive Committee members of Aaranyak – Narayan Mahanta (Vice President), Kaushik Bora (Finance Secretary), and Bijay Sankar Bora (Publicity Secretary), who also proposed the vote of thanks.
Udayan Borthakur, Director and Head of Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Division and the founder of WGL, presented the journey of the laboratory since its inception in 2008 to its official notification as a wildlife genetics and forensic laboratory under Section 329(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
He highlighted that the newly launched website will serve as an accessible platform to disseminate information on WGL’s research, conservation initiatives, and forensic services for government agencies and other stakeholders.
In his address, Dr. Borah remarked, “With tremendous advancements in molecular technologies, the scope for understanding biodiversity and ecological processes has expanded immensely. The contributions of WGL in this region are remarkable, and both government and private sectors should extend all possible support for the lab’s continued growth and modernization.”
Sharing his thoughts, Mrinal Talukdar said, “We have witnessed Aaranyak’s transformation over 37 years – from a small conservation initiative to a robust research organization housing state-of-the-art genetic facilities that are reshaping biodiversity conservation in Northeast India.”
The launch event concluded with an interactive session among the guests, media representatives, and Aaranyak members, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to integrating science, technology, and community engagement for safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity.
