Context
- For Conservation of Muga Silk in natural habitat the Government of India has approved a project on conservation of Muga in natural habitat in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and Meghalaya.
About Muga Silk
- Muga silk is a variety of wild silk geographically tagged to the state of Assam in India.
- The silk is known for its extreme durability and has a natural yellowish-golden tint with a shimmering, glossy texture.
- It was previously reserved for the use of royalty.
- In the Brahmaputra Valley, the larvae of the Assam silkmoth feed on aromatic som (Machilus bombycina) and sualu (Litsea polyantha) leaves.
- Muga silk can be dyed after bleaching. This silk can be hand-washed with its lustre increasing after every wash.
- Muga silk, like other Assam silks, is used in products like saris, mekhalas and chadors.
- Muga silk was recognized as a protected geographical indication (GI) in 2007, and was granted a GI logo for trademark purposes in 2014.
Protecting in its natural habitat
- Under Integrated Sericulture Development Project (ISDP) of North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), the Government of India has approved a project on conservation of Muga in natural habitat in Assam.
- The scheme is being implemented in the following areas:
- Upper Doigrung Wild Life area, KarbiAnglong / Golaghat, Assam
- Kuklung Reserve Forest range for muga ex-situ conservation site in BTC
- Mebo Reserve Forest, Pasighat Forest Division, Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh
- Bagmara Reserve forest, Balpakram National Park, and Tura Peak in Meghalaya
Source:PIB