LDA VC signs MoU for a plant ‘gene bank’

Lucknow: Lucknow Development Authority vice-chairperson Prathamesh Kumar on Tuesday signed an MoU with a private university for setting up the city’s first-ever plant gene bank at the upcoming Gomti Biodiversity Park, which is being developed at a cost of Rs 14 crore.The project will be spread over two acres of land inside the 25-acre biodiversity park, and will be developed and operated by the private university in collaboration with LDA.Officials said the facility is called a “gene bank” because it stores and preserves the genetic material, or genes, of rare and endangered plant species for future use. They further informed that seeds and plant samples will be scientifically preserved in controlled conditions inside the lab to protect biodiversity and prevent species from disappearing. The preserved material can later be used for research, propagation and plantation in the park.The project will mainly focus on conserving medicinal plants and will also serve as a learning centre for students on biodiversity and environmental conservation.