CPCB Invites MANTRA Lab for National Quality Control Exercise

SURAT : Surat’s scientific and textile research capabilities have received a significant national-level endorsement, with the laboratory of The Man-Made Textile Research Association (Mantra) invited by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to participate in its 39th Analytical Quality Control (AQC) Exercise.

The invitation, issued by the CPCB Water Laboratory in Delhi on September 2, is being seen as a recognition of Mantra’s analytical accuracy, testing standards and laboratory capabilities. The exercise will assess laboratories involved in environmental analysis across the country.

Mantra, a textile research institute affiliated with the Ministry of Textiles, also functions as a Schedule-1 laboratory of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). While its laboratory has primarily supported Surat’s textile industry through research, testing and technical services, the CPCB invitation places its capabilities in a broader national environmental testing framework.

The 39th AQC Exercise aims to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of physico-chemical and heavy-metal analysis conducted by environmental laboratories recognised under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, besides laboratories of CPCB, State Pollution Control Boards and public sector undertakings.

Participating laboratories will receive fresh-water samples and conduct quantitative analysis of several parameters, including pH, conductivity, fluoride, phosphate, nitrate, sulphate, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, TDS, suspended solids, COD and BOD.

The exercise will also cover heavy metals such as arsenic, aluminium, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and lead.

The national exercise is more than a routine testing programme as it provides an independent benchmark of a laboratory’s analytical competence, precision and reliability.

For Surat, India’s major man-made and synthetic textile hub, the recognition carries added significance.

Mantra officials said the participation would provide an opportunity to demonstrate the laboratory’s capabilities beyond textile testing and contribute to strengthening Surat’s position as a centre for research and scientific testing.

According to CPCB, laboratories opting to participate must complete the prescribed procedure and submit participation details along with the required fee by October 15, 2026.