Scientists across Lucknow’s research institutions (NBRI, BBAU, CDRI, and IVRI) are utilizing a genetic revolution to restore the city’s declining biodiversity and natural ecosystems. BBAU created a “Gomti Fish DNA Bank” using DNA barcoding (acting like an identification card for fish) to monitor species. This helped discover surviving populations of extinct species near Pilibhit, breed them, and release 10,000 fingerlings, successfully bringing back the Gomti Mahseer and Pahari Trout. Genetic testing also helps authorities track and ban invasive African Mangur fish.
Environment Pulse Desk: When we think of biodiversity, we think of forests. But Lucknow’s scientists are looking at it through a microscope – through DNA. In the labs of NBRI and BBAU, genetics is being used not to create something new, but to save what is already disappearing from Gomti, Kukrail and Malihabad.
This is Lucknow’s silent genetic revolution for nature.
- Saving Gomti’s Fish with DNA Barcoding – BBAU Gomti river had 56 fish species in 2000, now only 32 are left. Why? Pollution and invasive species. BBAU’s Department of Zoology started ‘Gomti Fish DNA Bank’. They took tissue samples of every fish and created a DNA barcode – like an Aadhaar card for fish. Dr. Amita Sharma, who leads the project, says: “With DNA barcoding, we found that 4 species thought to be extinct are still there in small numbers near Pilibhit. Now we are breeding them in lab and releasing 10,000 fingerlings back.”They also found that the common ‘Mangur’ fish sold in market is actually an African species that eats Gomti’s local fish. Now, using genetic testing, forest department can identify and ban it.
Result: In last one year, 2 lost species – ‘Gomti Mahseer’ and ‘Pahari Trout’ – have returned to upstream Gomti.
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Saving Malihabad’s Mango with Gene Editing – NBRI
Lucknow’s Dussehri mango is dying due to climate change. Flowering happens early, pests have increased, shelf life is less.NBRI’s National Botanical Research Institute has decoded the entire genome of Dussehri mango. They found 3 genes responsible for heat tolerance and aroma.
Now, using non-GMO technique called ‘Marker Assisted Selection’, they have developed a new clone – ‘Dussehri-2050’. It can tolerate 45-degree heat, needs 30% less water and stays fresh for 15 days instead of 7.NBRI Director says: “We did not insert foreign gene. We just selected the best natural genes from 100 Dussehri trees of Malihabad and crossed them. This is pure Lucknow genetics.”50 farmers in Malihabad are already growing it. Export has increased by 40%.
Bringing Back Kukrail’s Lost Forest – Genetics of SeedsKukrail forest lost 60% of its native trees in last 20 years to eucalyptus plantation.NBRI started ‘Seed Vault of Awadh’. They collected seeds of 200 native trees of Awadh – Peepal, Bargad, Shisham, Neem, and stored their DNA. The magic is ‘Seed Priming with Genetics’. Before planting, seeds are treated with microbiome that matches their original genetic code. Survival rate increased from 30% to 85%.Last year, 10,000 genetically revived native trees were planted in Kukrail. Now peacocks and barasingha have returned.
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Saving the Vulture with IVF – IVRI Connection
Lucknow’s vulture population dropped 99%. Only 20 left in 2020.Scientists at BBAU in collaboration with IVRI Bareilly are using genetics and IVF to save them. They took DNA from a dead vulture, created a stem cell line, and are trying to produce healthy chicks. First lab-grown vulture chick ‘Gomti’ was born in March 2026 at Kukrail Rescue Centre. It’s a hope for entire UP.
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Butterfly Corridor – DNA to Track Migration
Lucknow has lost 70% butterflies due to pesticide. CDRI scientists are using environmental DNA (eDNA) – DNA collected from air and soil – to track butterfly migration. They found that butterflies need a corridor from Gomti Nagar to SGPGI. Now LDA is planting specific host plants – Lantana, Marigold – based on genetic matching.
What does it mean for a common Lucknowite?This is not lab science. This is life science. When you eat Dussehri, when you see fish in Gomti, when you hear bird in Kukrail – behind it is genetics.
IIM Lucknow study says biodiversity loss costs Lucknow Rs 500 crore every year in terms of pollination, water purification and heat.
Lucknow’s genetic scientists are saying – “We will not let Lucknow become a concrete jungle. We will bring back its natural DNA.”The city of Tehzeeb is now becoming the city of Green Genes.
Also Read: Lucknow: On the Verge of Becoming India’s Next Green Tech Capital?
