Ramalinga Reddy Orders Probe Into Bengaluru Analytics and Research Laboratory Over Suspected Irregularities
Bengaluru: Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has ordered a complete investigation into Bengaluru Analytics and Research Laboratory Private Limited after a surprise inspection found multiple alleged irregularities in its operations and raised questions over its analysis reports.
Reddy conducted the inspection along with senior officials of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
According to the press note, the laboratory had obtained prior permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) stating that it would have three analysts. However, only one analyst was present during the minister’s inspection. The inspection also found that the other two analysts had not been working at the institution for the past five months.
The laboratory had obtained Consent for Establishment from the KSPCB, but the consent expired in 2025 and the unit was found operating without a valid consent from the Board, the press note said.
Officials also found that the laboratory had not put in place a proper system for disposing of waste generated through its activities. The waste was instead allegedly being discharged directly into an open pit.
The inspection also identified substantial differences between rates listed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and those reflected in the laboratory’s records.
According to the press note, the CPCB analysis rate chart showed a cost of ₹5,000 for analysing water samples from an STP unit and ₹13,000 for collecting and analysing air pollution samples from factories. The laboratory’s records, however, indicated that sample collection and analysis were being carried out for ₹1,000 and ₹650 respectively.
Discrepancies were also found between field data collected for measuring noise levels and the data recorded in the laboratory’s final analysis reports.
Following the findings, Reddy said the laboratory’s analysis reports appeared suspicious and ordered a complete investigation.
The minister said around 50 units are engaged in collecting and analysing water, air and noise samples across Karnataka. He said the Bengaluru Analytics and Research Laboratory inspection was being treated as a test case and should serve as a warning to other laboratories.
Reddy directed the KSPCB Chairman and Member Secretary to subject all the remaining laboratories to a thorough investigation in the coming days.
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