The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), constituted under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and entrusted with enforcement of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, has issued detailed Guidelines for Recognition of Laboratories to support effective pollution monitoring and regulatory decision-making. The guidelines are issued in exercise of powers under Section 17(2) of both Acts to establish or recognize laboratories for analysis of environmental samples.
The guidelines prescribe eligibility, infrastructure, manpower, and technical requirements for laboratories seeking recognition under the Air Act, 1981 and the Water Act, 1974. Recognised laboratories must be located in Meghalaya or neighbouring Assam and equipped to conduct specified analyses, including ambient air, stack emissions, noise levels, physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological water parameters. Mandatory conditions include minimum laboratory space, uninterrupted power supply with DG backup, calibrated instruments, use of standard methods (APHA/USEPA/CPCB/ISC), certified reference materials, standard operating procedures, safe laboratory practices, and participation in CPCB’s AQC programme.
Further, laboratories may seek combined recognition under both Air and Water Acts, subject to enhanced space and capability requirements. A minimum qualified manpower of five personnel is mandated, including analysts and a senior supervisor for analysis and certification. These guidelines aim to ensure technical competence, data accuracy, and uniform acceptance of laboratory results, thereby strengthening environmental governance and pollution control mechanisms in the State.
