By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 25: UDP MLA and Chairman of the Health Advisory Board, Mayralborn Syiem, called on Saturday for the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to address the severe pollution issues plaguing Byrnihat.
“This issue, while not directly linked to health, significantly affects it due to air and noise pollution,” Syiem stated, referencing Byrnihat’s high ranking among India’s most polluted areas. It may be mentioned that Byrnihat, located in Ri-Bhoi, has been identified as one of the top three most polluted locations in the country.
Syiem highlighted that the primary cause of pollution in Byrnihat is its status as an industrial hub. “The area hosts several factories that emit smoke and discharge waste into the Umtrew river. The MSPCB must take cognizance of this, as it is a serious issue that needs addressing,” he said.
He also noted that industrial areas universally face similar pollution challenges, largely due to factory emissions and contributions from the local population. “Proper maintenance of sewage drainage in small towns and cities is crucial to prevent adverse health effects,” Syiem added.
Byrnihat’s pollution levels earned it the unfortunate distinction of being India’s most polluted city in February 2024. The town recorded a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 183 µg/m3, significantly higher than Araria in Bihar, the second most polluted city, which had a PM2.5 concentration of 123 µg/m3.
Comparatively, Byrnihat’s PM2.5 levels were nearly 1.8 times higher than Delhi’s, which ranked as the 14th most polluted city during the same period.
Other cities in the Northeastern region that appeared in the list of the 30 most polluted cities in India for February 2024 include Nalbari (5th), Agartala (12th), Guwahati (19th), and Nagaon (28th), underscoring the increasing pollution levels across the region.