The
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st July, 1916 to
promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in
our knowledge of various aspects of exceptionally rich life of the
erstwhile ´British Indian Empire´. The survey has its genesis in the
establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta
in 1875. By gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its
research programme, the Survey has met the challenge of the past and is
on its way to meet the demands of the future. It has maintained its
primary objectives unchanged from its inception.
Initially,
the Survey acquired the Zoological collections of more than a century
old from former Museum (1814 -1875) of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and
Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875-1916) in Calcutta. With
the increasing interest in the life sciences and with the advent of
country´s Five Year Plans, the expansion programme of the survey was
initiated. The Survey has established so far 16 Regional and Field
Stations, and has developed into a major National Institution. It
functions as the guardian of the National Zoological Collections,
containing over a million identified specimens from all animal groups
ranging from Protozoa to Mammals. Extensive and intensive field
explorations are undertaken by the Survey in different parts of the
country for the studies of fauna, systematic zoology, animal ecology,
wildlife and zoogeography, animal behavior, animal population and also
marine fauna and the results of the explorations and research are
published in its own journals as well as National and International
periodicals of repute regularly.
The
Zoological Survey of India is celebrating its 100 years this year. On
this occasion Minister of C&IT, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad released
Commemorative stamps and Miniature Sheet on Zoological Survey of India
(ZSI) at the function held at Conference Hall, National Media Centre,
Raisina Road, New Delhi on 3rd December 2015. Set of two stamps is in
denomination of Rs. 5 and Rs. 25. The Minister of State for
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge), Shri
Prakash Javadekar, Mrs Kavery Banerjee, Secretary, Department of Posts
and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Courtesy: PIB
