By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 25: UDP leader and Nongpoh MLA, Mayralborn Syiem has expressed concern regarding the rising pollution levels in Byrnihat area and stated that although it is a difficult task for the state government to address, it must be done.
A large number of industrial units have been set up at the State Export Promotion Industrial Parks (EPIPs) located in Byrnihat and Umiam, both in Ri-Bhoi. While the situation in Umiam is relatively under control, Byrnihat, on the other hand, is fighting a losing battle against pollution.
“A number of factories are located near the schools like Don Bosco and we always receive complaints from the school authorities in the Byrnihat area,” Syiem said.
He emphasized that pollution is a worldwide problem and that, although many states and nations have developed cutting-edge technologies and approaches to address it, the state has not kept up with the challenges posed by this complex problem.
But he added, “We need to address this, even though the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is working to control it. In front of the government and lawmakers, it is a difficult assignment and a challenge. Fighting pollution requires teamwork.”
According to a recent daily bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Byrnihat, with its “very poor” air quality, was declared the “most polluted urban centre in the nation”, outperforming Delhi, the nation’s capital, and all other metropolises and cities.
With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 302, Byrnihat was the most polluted urban centre, according to the CPCB data.