Why in news?
India has inaugurated the National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NESL) at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi. The facility, along with a solar‑cell calibration centre, aims to calibrate air‑pollution monitoring instruments under Indian environmental conditions.
Background
Most air‑quality monitoring devices used in India have been certified abroad under conditions quite different from India’s climate. High temperatures, humidity, dust and complex pollution mixtures can affect instrument accuracy. NESL was established to address this gap by providing a domestic facility for testing and certifying sensors and analysers.
Objectives and features
- Calibration and testing: NESL can test and recalibrate instruments that monitor particulate matter, gases and other pollutants, ensuring they perform reliably under Indian conditions.
- Support for manufacturers: By offering calibration services domestically, the laboratory reduces dependence on foreign facilities and lowers costs for Indian manufacturers and agencies.
- Integration with national programmes: Data from NESL‑calibrated equipment will support the National Clean Air Programme and other regulatory initiatives, improving the accuracy of pollution data used for policymaking.
- Collaboration: The facility was set up through collaboration between the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, reflecting a cross‑ministerial effort to strengthen India’s quality infrastructure.
Significance
- Improved air‑quality data: Accurate sensors are essential for assessing pollution levels, enforcing standards and evaluating the success of mitigation measures.
- Boost to domestic industry: NESL helps Indian manufacturers demonstrate product quality and may enable export of environmental monitoring equipment.
- Reducing imports: By calibrating instruments at home, India can reduce the need for costly foreign certifications, supporting self‑reliance in environmental technology.
Conclusion
The National Environmental Standard Laboratory marks a step forward in India’s environmental governance. By tailoring calibration to Indian conditions, it will enhance the reliability of pollution data and support the growth of domestic manufacturers.
Source: Press Information Bureau
