Environmental monitoring gets boost with new lab in Dharamsala

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed Regional Laboratory of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) at Dari near Dharamsala. Built at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore, the modern facility is designed to strengthen the state’s environmental monitoring framework and support advanced analytical operations.

The laboratory complex spans four levels — basement, ground, first and top floors —covering a total built-up area of 938.44 sq m, with each floor measuring 234.61 sq m. The basement is dedicated to parking and hosts critical utilities such as power and water supply, ensuring seamless functioning of the high-precision laboratory equipment housed on the upper floors.

Purpose-designed sections have been created for water and wastewater testing, ambient air quality monitoring and microbiological analysis. The facility also includes a dedicated sample storage room, chemical and glassware storage units, a record room, a meeting hall and sufficient seating for staff, creating a fully integrated and efficient working environment.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government had ensured adequate budgetary support to complete the project, which adheres to the standards required for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation. “With its upgraded infrastructure, enhanced analytical capabilities and improved safety systems, this laboratory will significantly bolster the technical strength and service quality of the State Pollution Control Board,” he said.

Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, HP State Planning Board Vice Chairman Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar, Congress leader Devender Jaggi, APMC Kangra Chairman Nishu Mongra, Dharamsala Mayor Neenu Sharma, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, HPSPCB Member Secretary Praveen Gupta and several senior officials were present at the event.