By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 10: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has directed all factories and ferroalloy units to install online emission-monitoring systems.
This measure aims to enable continuous tracking of emissions and identify facilities that exceed permissible limits.
During a workshop on ‘Online Continuous Emission Effluent Monitoring System for Air Polluting Industries’, member secretary of the MSPCB, GH Chyrmang, had addressed representatives from factories in the Khasi-Jaintia region, during which he stressed the importance of this initiative, especially in ‘non-attainment’ areas like Byrnihat, where air quality often surpasses safe levels set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Chyrmang pointed out that while all factories contribute to air pollution, ferroalloy units and coke factories often lack proper guidance compared to cement factories, which have a longer operational history in the state.
The MSPCB attributes high concentrations of particulate matter in Byrnihat to emissions from industries, vehicles, dust from vehicle movement, natural dust, and construction activities.
Byrnihat is one of seven towns in the Northeast listed among 131 non-attainment cities under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).