According to Rabin Man Shrestha, chief of Environment Management Division (EMD) at KMC, the construction has already begun and the work will commence within 6 months if donation and funding for the project remain consistent.
"The country is suffering from acute shortage of air and water pollution monitoring mechanism. This lab will be very handy and useful. Spreading public awareness will be its greatest contribution," said Shrestha.
KMC has plans to renovate the old dairy product testing center at EMD office for building this lab. In preliminary phase, the present equipment and apparatus will be used for both air and water testing.
The lab already has a water testing machine worth Rs 1,00,000 and few chemicals and apparatus. The portable machine was donated by Czech Republic.
"Most recently, a test was conducted to examine the quality of drinking water supplied to our office. The test turned positive. Least impurities were found and it is totally usable for humans," said Shrestha.
"We want to conduct similar testing of water quality in Kathmandu city. Tests will be conducted for samples of spouts, taps and ground water," he added.
As for the air monitoring tests, KMC is searching for possible donors and organizations willing to contribute in the project. Total cost of Rs 5 million has been estimated to set up a complete lab for both water and air quality standards.
Shrestha further shared that the lab will be open for any students, researchers and doctorate fellows for research purposes.
"Let's hope, the ongoing conflict of Indian blockade and shortage of fuel and goods comes to a grinding halt. Only then, the development of lab construction will advance as planned," said Shrestha.
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