The Wildlife Genetics Laboratory (WGL) of Aaranyak and its director, Udayan Borthakur, have been officially recognised by the Assam government for their expertise in wildlife genetics and forensic analysis under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This makes them the first laboratory and expert in the state’s wildlife sector to receive such recognition under the new legal framework.

The notification was issued by the Special Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, following an order from the Governor of Assam dated August 4, 2025. The move enables WGL and Borthakur to assist law enforcement agencies in gathering forensic evidence through DNA-based methods for wildlife crime investigations, as permitted under Section 329(4) of BNSS.

Borthakur described the recognition as an acknowledgement of nearly two decades of work in wildlife genetics. “We also regard this notification as a significant responsibility that falls on our shoulders, and we are grateful to the Government of Assam for entrusting us with this critical responsibility,” he said.

The development is expected to strengthen wildlife crime investigations and improve conviction rates by incorporating scientific analysis into the legal process. Borthakur added that the lab’s role as a scientific expert would enable stronger evidence collection in wildlife offences.

Aaranyak’s Secretary General and Executive Director, Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, expressed gratitude to the Assam Forest Department and the state government for their continued trust. He noted that Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics facilities have been supporting government efforts in conservation and will continue to do so.

Established in 2008, WGL is the only facility in Northeast India specialising in conservation genetics and wildlife DNA forensics. It has supported over 135 wildlife crime cases and contributed to more than two dozen research projects on threatened species, both in India and abroad.

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