The Kerala government on Wednesday announced a landmark decision to allocate five acres of land for the establishment of a Central Forensic Science Laboratory under the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening scientific support for criminal investigations in the state.
The land identified for the project is located at the Phase IV Technocity campus of Technopark in Melthonnakkal village. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the site will be leased to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for a period of 90 years at a highly nominal annual fee of ₹100 per acre, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting national forensic infrastructure.
The Cabinet has authorised the Chief Executive Officer of Technopark to execute and manage the lease agreement on behalf of the state government. This administrative clearance is expected to expedite the formal handover process and ensure timely commencement of work on the proposed laboratory.
The upcoming Central Forensic Science Laboratory is expected to significantly enhance Kerala’s forensic capacity by providing advanced scientific tools and expertise to law enforcement agencies. The facility will align with national objectives to modernise forensic services, reduce delays in investigations, and improve the quality of evidence presented in courts.
By allocating land within one of its most prominent technology hubs, Kerala has positioned itself as a key partner in the Centre’s push to strengthen forensic science infrastructure across the country. The move is expected to benefit not only Kerala but also neighbouring states by improving access to high-quality forensic analysis.