Punjab expands network of environmental labs
A research scientist works inside a laboratory of India's Serum Institute, the world's largest maker of vaccines, which is working on vaccines against the coronavirus disease (Covif-19) in Pune, India, May 18, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The Punjab government is expanding its environmental laboratory network, increasing the total number of government and private labs across the province to 37.
Currently, 15 private environmental laboratories are registered and operational.
Applications for the registration of 13 additional private laboratories have been submitted, with significant progress in their approval process.
The Scrutiny Committee has already conducted site visits for nine of these laboratories, while the remaining four are scheduled for inspection by Monday.
The licencing issues for these new laboratories will be reviewed in a meeting of the advisory committee on Tuesday (today).
Based on site visit reports, the committee will forward its recommendations to the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (DG-EPA) for final approval.
If the new laboratories meet the required standard operating procedures (SOPs), they will be formally included in the system.
In addition to private sector expansions, the Department of Environmental Protection currently operates eight fully functional government laboratories.
Another laboratory in Sahiwal is expected to become operational by the end of the current financial year, further strengthening the network. Renovations of existing laboratories are also underway to improve infrastructure and operational efficiency.
This growing network of laboratories will enhance environmental monitoring and management across Punjab.
The Department of Environmental Protection is committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges and providing improved facilities to both the sector and the public.