Zoological Collection Centre for Western Ghats: Foundation Stone to Be Laid at Zoological Survey of India, Pune on 21 February 2026

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Western Ghats Zoological Collection Centre, Auditorium and Museum at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Western Regional Centre, Akurdi, Pune. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and will be performed by Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, Zoological Survey of India. The centre will preserve over one million animal specimens. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Purpose and Establishment:** * A state-of-the-art scientific collection and conservation facility dedicated to the documentation, preservation, and study of the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. * Will be established at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Western Regional Centre, Akurdi, Pune. * **Collection and Scope:** * The Centre is being constructed to safely preserve over one million animal specimens collected from the Western Ghats region * The collection will include representative specimens from various faunal groups, including insects, molluscs, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. * **Facility Objectives:** * Safe preservation of original specimens and newly discovered species. * Providing a strong foundation for taxonomy and systematics research. * Serving as reference material for biodiversity assessment and conservation policy formulation. * Offering educational and exhibition facilities for students, researchers, and the general public. * **Expected Outcomes:** * Contribute to the long-term conservation of the faunal diversity of the Western Ghats. * Support the scientific documentation of rare and endemic species. * Facilitate global access to information through the creation of a digital database. * Enhance public awareness through museum-based science dissemination and conservation outreach. * Strengthen national biodiversity documentation programmes and support conservation planning. * Function as a regional hub for species identification and taxonomic expertise. **Impact Analysis** **Researchers and Scientists** *Impact:* Will gain access to reference material and resources for biodiversity assessment and conservation research. *Action Required:* Utilize the center for research, data collection, and conservation initiatives. **Students and Educators** *Impact:* Will have access to educational and exhibition facilities to learn about the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. *Action Required:* Incorporate the center into educational programs and field trips. **Conservationists and Policymakers** *Impact:* Will be provided with scientific evidence to support conservation planning and policy formulation. *Action Required:* Use the data and research from the center to inform conservation strategies and policies. **General Public** *Impact:* Will benefit from increased public awareness and outreach on conservation efforts. *Action Required:* Engage with the center's educational programs and exhibits to learn about biodiversity conservation. **National and International Institutions** *Impact:* Promotion of collaboration on taxonomic expertise and species identification. *Action Required:* Collaborate with other Institutions to support taxonomic expertise and species identification.

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