A surprise inspection by the forest minister revealed irregularities at a pollution testing laboratory in Bengaluru

A surprise inspection was conducted at Bengaluru Analytics and Research Laboratory Private Limited in Bengaluru on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

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

A laboratory located near Jakkur is used to test samples for water, noise and air pollution. According to the department, there are about 50 units in the state that collect and analyze water, air and noise samples.

During the inspection, it was found that only one analyst was employed instead of three, which was against the norms set by the government before allowing the establishment of the laboratory. Two other analysts were also found to be out of work for nearly five months.

On checking the unit’s records and comparing them with the Central Pollution Control Board’s table of analysis rates, the cost of analyzing water samples from a sewage treatment plant was found to be ₹5,000 and the cost of collecting and analyzing air pollution samples from factories was ₹13,000. But as seen from the records, this lab is doing sampling and analysis for ₹1000 and ₹650 respectively.

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

Mr. Reddy said that the analysis report of this laboratory was found suspicious and therefore a complete investigation was ordered. It was found that the unit had not put in place any proper system to dispose of the waste generated by the lab’s activities and was instead discharging it directly into an open pit.

He warned other labs to prepare equipment before the ministry discovers the breach. The minister ordered the chairman and member-secretary of the council to subject all the remaining laboratories to a thorough investigation in the coming days.

Meanwhile, BARL was found not to have renewed the license to operate, which expired in 2025.

Published – 12 Sep 2026 21:45 IST