“Delhi Continues to battle air pollution as the Air Quality Index remains in a ‘very poor’ category” while reading headlines of that sort. Have you ever wondered who measures these levels of pollution? Environmental laboratories in India play a vital role in analyzing the environment. Their job is to examine samples from both biotic ( air, water, soil) and abiotic (flora, fauna, human being) components. They also take samples from sources that are disposed of in the environment, such as industries, biomedical, agricultural, automobiles, etc. Environmental laboratories are the linchpins of effective pollution control programme. Proper facilities are needed to run these environmental laboratories to get reliable and accurate data. They provide qualitative and quantitative data, contributing to making proper decisions and taking preventive measures to protect the environment. Section 17 (2) of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Section 17 (2) of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Section 12 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 speaks about the establishment and recognition of environmental laboratories in India respectively.
In the domain of environmental law, there are various types of environmental laboratories that play a crucial role in adhering to the compliances and the regulatory standards set by the Government. Analytical laboratories conduct tests on the samples collected to identify the pollutants, while compliance laboratories focus on following the environmental rules. Research environmental laboratories help develop scientific knowledge to update the legal department to come up with policies and frameworks. Some important environmental laboratories in India are:
- Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi, was established in September 1974under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. This board helps collect, assemble, and publish statistics and technical data regarding air and water pollution. It constantly releases reports on the Air Quality Index of big metropolitan cities like Delhi to formulate protocols.
- Water Pollution Laboratory, Himachal Pradesh,focuses on the water quality in their state, performing research and releasing data to enhance and retain the quality of water bodies.
- National Agro Foundation, Chennai,is a Public Charitable Trust established in the year 2000, with an advanced soil testing laboratory aiming at analysing soil conditions and providing systematic solutions to improve soil quality.
AUTHOR:
Saraswathy Thogainathan, 5th year BBA. LL.B (Hons.), Saveetha School of Law, Chennai