Himachal CM inaugurates regional laboratory building of HPSPCB in Dharamshala
Shimla, December 3
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly constructed Regional Laboratory building of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) at Dari, near Dharamshala. The state-of-the-art facility has been built at a cost of Rs. 3.5 crore.
The laboratory complex comprises a basement, ground floor, first floor and top floor, each spread over 234.61 sq. m, with a total built-up area of 938.44 sq. m. The basement has been designated for parking and is equipped with essential services such as electricity, water supply and other modern amenities to support the functioning of an advanced analytical laboratory.
Purpose-built sections have been established for water and wastewater quality analysis, ambient air quality monitoring and microbiological examination, enabling comprehensive environmental monitoring activities. The building also houses a dedicated sample storage room, chemical and glassware storage facilities, a record room, a meeting hall and adequate seating arrangements for staff, ensuring a fully functional and efficient laboratory environment.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has provided adequate budgetary support to complete the project, which has been developed in accordance with the requirements for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation. "With its modern infrastructure, enhanced analytical capacity and improved safety provisions, this new laboratory will significantly strengthen the technical capabilities, operational efficiency and service standards of the State Pollution Control Board," he said.
Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Vice Chairman HP State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar, Congress leader Devender Jaggi, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, Mayor Municipal Corporation Dharamshala Neenu Sharma, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Member Secretary HPSPCB Praveen Gupta and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rs. 3.5 crore for a lab building seems reasonable for a state-of-the-art facility. The detailed breakdown of sections for water, air, and microbiological testing is impressive. Let's hope the staffing and daily operations get the same attention and budget.
Finally some focus on Dharamshala's infrastructure beyond tourism! The region has been facing waste management issues. A proper pollution control lab can help monitor the impact of increased construction and tourist activity. Good move.
As someone who visits HP often, it's heartening to see investment in environmental protection. The mention of NABL accreditation is key – it ensures the data from this lab will be reliable and internationally recognized. Thumbs up!
The building specs sound good on paper. But the real test is action. Will this lab have the teeth to fine polluting industries and hotels? Or will it be another government building where files gather dust? Time will tell. Cautiously optimistic.
This is excellent news for local employment too. A facility like this needs scientists, lab technicians, and support staff. Hope they hire qualified locals and provide proper training. Development should benefit the people of Himachal directly.
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