Pollution levels did not decrease despite the closure of multiple manufacturing units by the pollution control board. On the contrary, they increased, raising questions about the actual sources of pollution. Pollution is a complex issue caused by multiple factors, including unregulated construction, uncovered construction sites, lack of rainfall, and vehicular emissions
SHILLONG, March 18: The Byrnihat Industries Association (BIA) has urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive study to identify the actual contributors to air pollution in the region and adopt a fair and balanced approach that ensures both environmental protection and industrial sustainability.
“For the past several months, media reports have repeatedly highlighted poor air quality in the Byrnihat area. Based on these reports, industries in Byrnihat, Meghalaya, have been accused of being responsible for the unusually high pollution levels,” BIA president Bajrang Lohia said in a statement.
He noted that due to these repeated allegations, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) issued closure notices to several industries, significantly impacting their operations and finances.
Surprisingly, he said, pollution levels did not decrease despite the closure of multiple manufacturing units. On the contrary, they increased, raising questions about the actual sources of pollution.
According to Lohia, multiple manufacturing units were shut down from September 3, 2024, to October 15, 2024, and again from January 2025 to March 12, 2025. However, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), accessed via the Online SAMEER app, indicated that the ambient air quality in Byrnihat did not improve after industries were ordered to shut down on January 29, 2025.
Lohia further stated that in February 2025, during the closure period, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at severe levels, ranging from 300 to 400 PM.
In contrast, during August 2024 and November 2024, when industries were operational, the AQI remained within the yellow-green range, indicating better air quality.
“This data clearly suggests that the real source of pollution in Byrnihat lies elsewhere. The CPCB SAMEER app shows that during the industrial closure periods, air quality was worse than when industries were operational,” Lohia asserted. He also attached ambient air quality reports from both forced closure periods and operational dates for reference.
Citing an article published in The Times of India on January 22, 2025, Lohia pointed to a statement by Gautam Krishan Misra, Chief Scientist at PCBA, who identified road widening, construction activities, and vehicular emissions as major contributors to rising pollution levels. “Misra also explained that wind-blown dust and vehicular movement, particularly on interstate borders, further exacerbate air pollution,” Lohia said, referring to the article.
He emphasised that pollution is a complex issue caused by multiple factors, including unregulated construction, uncovered construction sites, lack of rainfall, and vehicular emissions. “The repeated closure notices have inflicted severe financial losses and operational strain on Byrnihat’s industries. It is nearly impossible for industries to remain closed for extended periods while still maintaining employment levels and operations,” Lohia added.