Water-testing labs fail to benefit public

The water-testing laboratories in Virajpet and Somwarpet taluks were set up in 2015, but the laboratory in Somwarpet has remained closed for the last two months.

The Global Technology Agency had set up a water-testing lab at Somwarpet. About 14 types of tests used to be conducted in the laboratory. The agency failed to pay the salary to its employees, who have, therefore, stopped working.

According to sources, the laboratory should have an expert who has completed post-graduation in Science. As they were paid a meagre salary of Rs 7,000, however, no expert showed interest to remain in the post at the laboratory. The agency has failed to pay the salary of even the computer operator.

The laboratory set up by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department has, therefore, not benefited the citizens. As a result, people who have dug borewells recently find it difficult to get the water from their wells tested.

Ray Environ Agency is entrusted with the responsibility of running the water-testing laboratory at Virajpet taluk. The chemist and computer operator have been functioning at the laboratory. Water is being tested continuously and data is being uploaded online.