Bengaluru Environmental Lab Faces Probe After Inspection Finds Violations

Karnataka Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy has ordered a comprehensive probe into a private environmental laboratory in Bengaluru after a surprise inspection uncovered multiple regulatory violations and operational irregularities. The inspection of Bengaluru Analytics and Research Laboratory Private Limited, conducted on Saturday along with officials from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), revealed the facility was operating without valid consent from the board, which had expired in 2025. During the visit, officials found the lab had obtained prior permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on the condition that three analysts would be employed. However, only one analyst was present, with the other two having not worked at the facility for approximately five months. The inspection also discovered the lab had no proper system for disposing of waste generated by its activities, instead discharging it directly into an open pit. Officials noted significant discrepancies when comparing the lab's records with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) rate chart.