The Hindu Business Line : President dedicates LaCONES to nation

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Hyderabad Feb. 2 The President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has dedicated LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species), set up by CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology) to the nation.

The laboratory, which is backed by CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT), is aimed at conserving endangered animals through biotechnological interventions.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the facility, Mr Kalam said the nation was concerned about two problems of poaching of animals by traders for economic exploitation, and inbreeding that might lead to their possible extinction.

Terming it a beautiful experience visiting the laboratory, Mr Kalam said the young scientists at LaCONEs were committed to create a bank for cells, semen and embryos.

The laboratory has the mandate of monitoring of genetic variation by modern techniques such as DNA fingerprinting, cloning and fertility analysis based on semen profiles and hormonal profiles to facilitate captive breeding.

`magnanimity'

Referring to a gesture of Nobel Laureate Prof Norman E. Borlaug, a well-known agricultural scientist and a partner in India's first Green Revolution, he said the scientist had acknowledged contributions of younger scientists at a public forum, showing his magnanimity.

"This scientific magnanimity will motivate the scientific community and nurture team spirit and lead to newer discoveries. I am sure such environment of scientific magnanimity will prevail in all our scientific research institutions," he said.

ORISSA EXPERIENCE

Recollecting his experience with Olive Ridleys in Orissa, Mr Kalam cited the message sent by Prof. Padma Hejmadi, a conservationist, on the effect of lights at the missile launch complex at the Wheeler Islands on the turtles.

"She said the lights created problems in hatching of the turtles. I invited her and we discussed the problem with our team. We took a number of measures such as controlled lighting whenever needed and reducing the movement of people and vehicles on the beach. This really enabled unhindered propagation of the turtles," he said.

He asked LaCONES, DRDO, ecologists and biologists to launch a joint initiative for promoting an eco-friendly environment with the use of scientific and technological experience. "This partnership will enable LaCONES to conduct further research on life pattern of Olive Ridley turtles," he said.

More Stories on : Environment | Research & Development | Andhra Pradesh

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