Published: 6 July 2026Press Information BureauEnvironment
Mizoram Natural History Museum notified as India's 21st designated repository
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Natural History Museum at Mizoram University, Aizawl as a designated repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Central Government issued the notification on 19 June 2026 after the recommendation of the National Biodiversity Authority and examination of the proposal. With this recognition, the museum has become India's 21st designated repository.
Designated repositories are a key part of India's biodiversity governance system. They safely collect, conserve, archive and scientifically manage authenticated biological specimens received under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This supports biodiversity conservation, research, education and sustainable use of biological resources.
The Mizoram museum will conserve authenticated specimens of selected plants such as pteridophytes and macrofungi, and animals such as reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles and butterflies. It will also serve as a repository for type specimens of newly discovered species in the region. Established in 2022 under Mizoram University, the museum is important because it is located in the India-Burma biodiversity hotspot and has specialised taxonomic expertise. Mizoram and the wider North-Eastern region have more than 7,500 flowering plant species and more than 2,000 animal species. Before recognition, the museum had already collected and preserved more than 500 specimens, including herbarium sheets and wet-preserved collections.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionEasy
With reference to the Natural History Museum at Mizoram University, Aizawl, consider the following statements:
1. It was notified as a designated repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
2. With this recognition, it became India's 21st designated repository.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation · Correct answer CBoth statements are correct. The museum at Mizoram University, Aizawl was notified under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and with this recognition it became India's 21st designated repository.
Frequently asked questions
Which institution was notified as India's 21st designated repository?
The Natural History Museum at Mizoram University, Aizawl was notified as India's 21st designated repository.
Under which law and section was the notification issued?
The notification was issued under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Why is the Mizoram museum significant for biodiversity conservation?
It is located in the India-Burma biodiversity hotspot and has specialised taxonomic expertise for groups such as pteridophytes, macrofungi, moths, beetles and other less-studied organisms.
What kinds of specimens will the repository conserve?
It will conserve authenticated specimens of selected plants and animals, including pteridophytes, macrofungi, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles and butterflies.
