By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 3: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has sought the intervention of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to assess and address pollution concerns in Byrnihat.
MSPCB Member Secretary GH Chyrmang stated on Thursday that the board recently wrote to the CPCB, requesting its assistance as a neutral body in evaluating the situation and exploring potential solutions. He explained that the CPCB could help facilitate collaboration between the MSPCB and the Assam State Pollution Control Board to develop a joint action plan aimed at reducing pollution and improving air quality in the region.
According to Chyrmang, the two state pollution control boards cannot operate independently since Byrnihat is located along the inter-state border. “However, the action plans devised will need to be overseen by the CPCB,” he added.
Meanwhile, he noted that the Assam pollution board has initiated inspections in response to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s request to his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma. Currently, inspections are being conducted separately by both states, he said.
When asked about joint inspections, Chyrmang confirmed that no such collaborative effort had taken place yet. “We have written to the Assam Pollution Control Board, but we are still awaiting their response,” he said.
He also pointed out that in the past, the MSPCB had taken action against industries in the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP), Byrnihat. However, similar measures were not observed on the Assam side. “Now, with proactive steps being taken from both sides, I hope the situation will improve,” he remarked.
Regarding the submission of their report, Chyrmang stated that while it is 95% complete, it has not yet been submitted to the state government as they are awaiting feedback from the approval committee. “Once we receive the committee’s nod, we will submit it,” he assured.
Additionally, he revealed that the MSPCB has requested land within the EPIP industrial estate from the Industries Department to establish an office. “Being stationed inside the estate will enable us to monitor pollution more effectively. We are hopeful for a positive response from the department. Once we secure the land, we will request the government to sanction manpower,” he said.
Chyrmang emphasized that addressing the pollution crisis requires a holistic approach involving all stakeholders, as various factors contribute to pollution in Byrnihat, including industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, road dust, and even forest fires.
He also addressed reports claiming Byrnihat is the most polluted place in the world, clarifying that the data used for such assessments did not originate from Meghalaya but from an air quality monitoring station at the Central Academy for State Forest Service in Byrnihat, Assam. “I do not wish to attribute blame to either Assam or Meghalaya, as the area falls along the inter-state border,” he stated.
Nongpoh MLA grateful for Assam CM’s help
Meanwhile, UDP MLA from Nongpoh, Mayralborn Syiem, on Thursday emphasised that collective efforts among the Northeastern states are essential for peace, tranquility, and development in the region.
He appreciated Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s support in helping Meghalaya reduce pollution levels in Byrnihat. Syiem stressed that collaboration should not be limited to pollution control but should extend to all developmental activities and conflict resolution efforts, ensuring a win-win situation for all Northeastern states.
Recalling the in-depth discussions held during the recently concluded State Assembly budget session, he reiterated that the state government is committed to doing what is best for its citizens. He assured that the government is not only aware of the situation in Byrnihat but is also working on multiple fronts to improve air quality and make the environment more breathable.
Earlier, the Assam government had extended its support and cooperation to Meghalaya in tackling Byrnihat’s pollution crisis.
It is worth mentioning that the World Air Quality Report 2024, released by Swiss firm IQAir, identified Byrnihat as having the worst air quality globally. The report also highlighted that India is home to 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world, with Delhi ranking as the most polluted capital city.
According to the IQAir report, Byrnihat recorded the highest PM2.5 concentration in the world last year, averaging 128.2 µg/m³. The report analyzed data from 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, territories, and regions. It identified 13 Indian cities among the world’s 20 most polluted, with Byrnihat topping the list.
While India’s overall air quality improved by 7% in 2024—lowering the country’s rank from the third to the fifth most polluted globally—cities like Byrnihat and Delhi continue to struggle. Byrnihat’s severe pollution is primarily attributed to emissions from local industries, including distilleries, iron, and steel plants.
