Surprise inspection by Forest Minister exposes irregularities at Bengaluru pollution testing lab

Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ramalinga Reddy conducted a surprise inspection at the Bengaluru Analytics and Research Laboratory Private Limited (BARL), along with officials of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), on Saturday.

The lab located near Jakkur is used to test samples for water, noise and air pollution. As per the data from the department, there are about 50 units that collect and analyse water, air, and noise samples in the State.

During the inspection, it was found that there was only one analyst employed instead of three, which was in violation of the norms set by the government before permitting to establish the lab. It was also found that two other analysts have not been working for almost five months.

While reviewing the unit’s records and comparing them with the analysis rate chart of the Central Pollution Control Board, it was found that the cost for analysing water samples from a Sewage Treatment Plant is ₹5,000 and the cost for collecting and analysing air pollution samples from factories was ₹13,000. But as noticed from the records, this laboratory is carrying out sample collection and analysis with ₹1,000 and ₹650 respectively.

Similarly, discrepancies were found between the field data collected for measuring noise levels and the data recorded in the final analysis report.

Mr. Reddy said that the analysis report of this laboratory were found to be suspicious, and therefore, a complete investigation had been ordered. It was noted that the unit had not implemented any proper system for disposing of the waste generated by the laboratory’s activities and instead discharging directly into an open pit.

He warned other laboratories to set facilities right before the department find violations. The Minister directed the chairman and member-secretary of the board to subject all remaining laboratories to a thorough investigation in the coming days.

Meanwhile, it was found that the BARL had not renewed licence to operate that expired in 2025.