Botanical Survey of India

World Health Day Celebrations 2026

BSI Southern Regional Centre, Coimbatore commemorated World Health Day 2026 by arranging “Comprehensive Cancer Awareness & Cancer Screening Program” for early detection of common cancers in both men and women conducted by IIT Madras. The camp started with an address by Dr. S.S.Hameed, Scientist F & HoO, who welcomed the medical and screening team from IIT Madras and empahsised that ‘health is common concern for all’. Dr. Richard Samuel, Programme Officer emphasized early screening for treatment and management of cancer. Dr. GVS Murthy, Former Sci-G & HoO, BSISRC graced the occasion and emphasised lifestyle changes. Dr. M. Palanisamy, Scientist E who gave vote of thanks. About 56 employees and their family members were screened for oral, cervical and breast cancer.

The Botanical Survey of India successfully organized a one-day brainstorming workshop on “Plant-Based Wildlife Health Management” at Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi on 6th April 2026.

The workshop witnessed the participation of 50 delegates from various regional centres of BSI, fostering meaningful discussions on the integration of botanical knowledge in wildlife health and conservation.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome and felicitation of dignitaries by Dr. Kanad Das, Director, BSI, followed by insightful addresses from esteemed guests:

☆Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, IFS, DG, Forest & Special Secretary

☆Shri Ramesh Kumar Pandey, IFS, ADGF (WL), MoEF&CC

☆Shri Ved Prakash Mishra, IRS, Joint Secretary, MoEF&CC

The Keynote Address was delivered by Chief Guest Shri Tanmay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, MoEF&CC, highlighting the importance of plant-based approaches in strengthening wildlife health management systems.

The workshop also featured four expert invited lectures, encouraging knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sujana, Scientist E, BSI (SRC, Coimbatore).

🌱 Advancing science for sustainable wildlife health and conservation.

On 6th April 2026, a group of 41 Range Forest Officer (RFO) Trainees – Forest Range Officers Batch (2025–26), accompanied by the Principal (DFO) from the Rangers College, Rajpipla, visited the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden as part of their educational tour. They were guided by the Dr Ravi Prasad, Dr J Swamy, Dr R Sarvanan and other scientists and botanists.

During their visit, the trainees explored the Central National Herbarium and Type Section, gaining valuable exposure to botanical collections and scientific documentation.

The session was conducted by Dr. Dipti Dey (Botanist) and Ms. Ruma, who provided insightful information on the history of plant exploration and the significance of herbaria in preserving plant diversity.

A special highlight was an engaging glimpse into the classic botanical illustrations of William Roxburgh, whose pioneering work laid the foundation of Indian botany.

Such interactions play a vital role in connecting field forestry practices with botanical research, enriching the knowledge and perspective of future forest officers.🌱

🌟 The 55th Foundation Day of the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre was inaugurated by Regional Head Dr. Lal Ji Singh with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by watering of a Chandan plant (Santalum album L.).

🌿 He commended the scientists and staff for their dedication, commitment, and outstanding contributions.

आज दिनांक 30 मार्च 2026 को केन्द्रीय राष्ट्रीय पादपालय में राजभाषा अनुभाग के द्वारा "राजभाषा कार्यान्वयन में ई ऑफिस की भूमिका" विषय पर एक दिवसीय कार्यशाला का आयोजन किया गया । कार्यशाला का शुभारंभ डॉ छाया देवरी, वैज्ञानिक ई एवं कार्यालय प्रभारी के द्वारा श्री श्याम किशोर महतो, सहायक निदेशक (राजभाषा), बी एस आई, मुख्यालय को स्मृति चिन्ह देकर किया गया । कार्यशाला में श्री अजय कुमार साव, कनिष्ठ हिन्दी अनुवाद अधिकारी के द्वारा प्रस्तुतीकरण के माध्यम से ई ऑफिस के माध्यम से कार्यालय में राजभाषा हिन्दी के अधिक प्रयोग पर प्रकाश डाला गया । कार्यशाला के द्वितीय सत्र में हिन्दी में प्रश्नोत्तरी प्रतियोगिता का भी आयोजन किया गया । इसमें डॉ जीवन सिंह जलाल, डॉ उमेश तिवारी, डॉ पार्थ प्रतिम घोषाल, डॉ आनंद कुमार, डॉ वाई कोंडरू, के साथ साथ सभी अधिकारियों, कर्मियों और शोध छात्र छात्राओं में प्रतिभाग किया । कार्यक्रम का संचालन में श्री सुब्रत रूद्र, श्री अजय कुमार साव और श्री संजय कुमार, वनस्पतिज्ञ ने मुख्य भूमिका निभाई ।

The International Day of Forests 2026 was celebrated on 23.03.2026 with the theme “Forests and Economies” at the Botanical Survey of India, SRC, Coimbatore. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. S. S. Hameed, Scientist F, Head of Office, who also introduced the Chief Guest, Dr. F. S. C. Jayaraj, Retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The Chief Guest delivered an insightful Presidential Address highlighting the vital role of forests in sustaining economies and livelihoods on the topic "Forest and Economies" . This was followed by an interactive question and answer session with the all BSI team Members. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Jagadeesh Ram T.A.M. , Scientist F. The entire event was anchored by Dr. Anantha Lakshmi, M., Botanical Assistant.

The Department of Botany, Egra S.S.B College, successfully organized a Two-Day National Level Workshop on “Plant Identification, Preservation, Conservation and Modern Approaches to Herbarium Preservation” on March 17–18, 2026. The programme was sponsored by the Department of Science & Technology and Biotechnology (DSTBT), Government of West Bengal.

The workshop was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Principal, Dr. Pijush Kanti Tripathi, in the presence of Head of the Department Dr. Maniklal Pati, Programme Coordinator Dr. Mamtaj Khatun, along with faculty members and staff.

The event featured eminent resource persons including Dr. Partha Pratim Ghoshal, Botanist, Botanical Survey of India; Dr. Umesh Kumar L. Tiwari, Scientist, Botanical Survey of India; and Dr. Sudam Charan Sahu, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, MSCB University, Baripada, Odisha.

On the first day, Dr. Partha Pratim Ghoshal delivered a lecture on “Herbarium: Its Role in Taxonomy and Modern Techniques,” while Dr. Umesh Kumar L. Tiwari discussed “Herbarium as a Tool for Plant Conservation and Climate Change Research.” Participants also undertook a field visit within the college campus, where they collected plant specimens and learned taxonomic identification techniques.

The second day featured a lecture by Dr. Sudam Charan Sahu on “Virtual Herbarium and Prioritization of RET Taxa for Conservation.” Participants engaged in hands-on training involving collection of fresh plant specimens and preparation of herbarium sheets following standard scientific protocols.

A total of 77 students, research scholars, and faculty members participated on the first day, while over 70 participants from neighboring colleges attended the second day.

The workshop concluded with a feedback session, where participants expressed high satisfaction, noting that the programme was highly informative, practical, and beneficial for enhancing their knowledge and skills in plant taxonomy and conservation.

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The 15th Research Advisory & Monitoring Committee (RAMC) meeting of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) concluded on March 20, 2026, at the Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre (ANRC) in Sri Vijaya Puram. Under the distinguished Chairmanship of Prof. C. R. Babu, the committee delivered a glowing assessment of the organization’s recent performance.
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​The meeting, attended by 11 members and 3 invited observers, featured a comprehensive progress report presented by Dr. S. S. Dash and an overview of regional impact by Dr. Lal Ji Singh.

The Director of BSI, Dr. Kanad Das, formally appraised the committee regarding the significant progress made over the last year, showcasing the organization's strategic growth.

The committee lauded the BSI team for their tireless dedication, noting that the organization has done an excellent job in its botanical research and conservation missions.

A major point of praise was BSI's success in fully implementing every recommendation set forth by the RAMC in the previous year—a testament to the organization's efficiency and responsiveness.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) was represented by Shri Ved Prakash Mishra, Joint Secretary, who joined the committee in recognizing these milestones.
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​The Chairman, Prof. C. R. Babu, expressed high aspirations for the upcoming cycle. Having witnessed the successful completion of past mandates, he voiced his confidence that BSI will successfully complete all future commitments and strategic goals outlined in the newly released roadmap for 2026-27.
​The event also marked the official release of a commemorative booklet on the BSI ANRC, celebrating the unique biodiversity of the region

The Botanical Survey of India proudly shares exciting news—a new species of wild kiwi from India has been discovered! 🥝

After extensive field exploration in the rugged terrains of Arunachal Pradesh and detailed taxonomic investigation, scientists have identified Actinidia indica (Actinidiaceae) from the Eastern Himalaya—one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

🥝The genus Actinidia comprises now ~56 species globally, but only a handful are reported from India, making this discovery particularly significant.

🥝Actinidia indica is a perennial climbing shrub (2–4 m tall) with densely ferruginous tomentose young branches and large ovate leaves. It bears large white to creamy flowers (4–6 cm across)—notably bigger than its closest relatives.

🥝The species produces globose, olive-green fruits (2.5–4 cm) with a unique reticulate pattern of lenticels, a key distinguishing feature for this species.

Found at around 1725 m elevation in Lower Subansiri district, it grows along forest edges in association with diverse sub-tropical flora.

🌏 This discovery not only enriches India’s flora but also highlights the immense, still unexplored biodiversity of the Eastern Himalaya.

👏 This plant was discovered by Dr. S.S. Dash, Scientist-F and in-charge, Technical Section, Headquarters, Kolkata, Dr. Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, Scientist-D, and Mr. Rohan Maity, Senior Preservation Assistant, Central National Herbarium, Howrah.

📖 The findings have been published in the reputed journal Feddes Repertorium https://doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70078

🥝We congratulate the team for their dedication and scientific excellence. Their work reinforces the importance of taxonomy in uncovering and conserving our rich natural heritage.

🌿 Celebrating World Taxonomist Appreciation Day 🌿

On this special occasion, the Botanical Survey of India proudly highlights a significant scientific milestone—the discovery of two new species of Henckelia published in the prestigious journal Taiwania.

Through extensive field surveys and rigorous taxonomic analysis, these species—Henckelia clarkei and Henckelia zingnui—have been discovered and described from Arunachal Pradesh, a key region within the Eastern Himalaya and a global biodiversity hotspot.

The genus Henckelia (family Gesneriaceae) now comprises ~83 species globally, with 49 species reported from India, largely concentrated in the Himalayan and Northeast regions.

🌿Henckelia clarkei is characterized by its erect habit, anisophyllous opposite leaves, and distinctive urceolate calyx, along with a white corolla tinged with yellow-orange. The species is named to honor distinguished taxonomist & botanist Charles Baron Clarke for his immense contributions to the taxonomy of family Gesneriaceae.

🌱Henckelia zingnui stands out due to its smaller leaves, white corolla with maroon-purple blotches, and unique filament structure, making it easily distinguishable within the “urticifolia group”. This species is named after the Chau Zingnu Namchoom, an eminent youth leader from Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh.

🌏 Notably, both species are currently known only from their type localities with very limited populations (≈12–18 individuals) and are categorized as Data Deficient (DD) under IUCN criteria.

🌏 These discoveries reaffirm that Arunachal Pradesh—situated at the confluence of the Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots—remains a treasure trove of unexplored plant diversity.

👏 This discovery was made by Dr. Krishna Chowlu, Scientitst-D and Head, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre (APRC), Itanagar, Dr. S. S. Dash, Scientist-F and in-charge, Technical Section, BSI Headquarters, Kolkata, Mr. Rohan Maity, Senior Preservation Assistant, Central National Herbarium, Howrah and Mr. Akshath Shenoy, Senior Preservation Assistant, BSI-APRC Itanagar.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team for their outstanding contribution. Their work exemplifies the importance of taxonomy in understanding, documenting, and conserving our natural heritage.

Click for more- https://doi.org/10.6165/tai.2026.71.227

On 16th March 2026 the inauguration function of the five days Course on Botanical Nomenclature has been organized by Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Deccan Regional Centre, Hyderabad at Katriya Hotels & Towers, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. The course will run up to 20.03.2026 and designed for capacity building of researchers and students in the scientific naming of plants, a cornerstone of taxonomy and biodiversity studies. Dr. L. Rasingam, Scientist E (Joint Director) and Head of Office, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants to this course. The inaugural session was graced by Dr. C. Suvarna, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force, Telangana, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Suvarna emphasized on the role of nomenclature in ensuring clarity and consistency in plant names, thereby strengthening scientific communication and conservation efforts.
The course is being led by Dr. K. N. Gandhi, Senior Nomenclature Registrar at Harvard University, USA, who will conduct intensive sessions over the next four days. “It is my privilege to share knowledge on this subject, which forms the backbone of botanical research,” remarked by Dr. Gandhi. Dr. S. S. Dash, Scientist-F (Additional Director) & Technical In-charge, BSI, Kolkata, highlighted the importance of such training, noting that they are crucial for nurturing the young generation and next generation of researchers to come. The dais was also shared by Dr. P. Venu, former Scientist-G & Head of Office, BSI, DRC underscored the relevance of nomenclature in advancing botanical sciences. The inaugural session was ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. S. P. Panda, Scientist-D, BSI, DRC.
A total of 83 candidates from all across the country are undergoing this course representing diversified organizations or institutions. The number of participant and from the area they belong indicated the growing interest in taxonomy and the need for standardized approaches to plant classification. Over the coming days, attendees will engage in lectures, discussions, and practical exercises designed to deepen their expertise in the rules and principles of plant naming under the International Code of Nomenclature. This initiative reflects BSI’s continued commitment to capacity-building and fostering scientific excellence in taxonomy and biodiversity studies

🌸 BSI-NRC Dehradun Wins Second Prize at Orchid Exhibition, Chandigarh

The Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre (NRC), Dehradun participated in the Orchid Exhibition organized during the International Conference-cum-Workshop on “Orchid Diversity, Conservation and Resource Development in Changing Global Climate: Perspectives on Medicinal, Floricultural and Economic Potential”, held from 13–15 March 2026 at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The event was jointly organized by the Orchid Society of India (TOSI) and the Department of Botany, Panjab University, and hosted at the Golden Jubilee Auditorium, Panjab University.

During the programme, BSI-NRC Dehradun set up an exhibition stall highlighting the organisation’s scientific achievements, research activities, and contributions to plant biodiversity documentation and conservation. The team also actively participated in various sessions and events of the conference.

The BSI delegation included Dr. S.K. Singh (Head of Office), Dr. Brijesh Kumar (Scientist-C), Dr. Harminder Singh, Mr. Subhashmit Bhattacharya, and Mr. Shashank Mishra.

🏆 The stall exhibited by BSI-NRC, Dehradun was awarded Second Prize at the Orchid Exhibition, recognizing the centre’s efforts in promoting plant diversity awareness and scientific outreach.