By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 11: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) needs more teeth.
Chairing a meeting to review the Board’s functioning, he admitted that the government needs to do much more than what it has to streamline the operations of the MSPCB.
Sangma, who also holds the Forest and Environment portfolio, said several constructive suggestions were put forward to improve efficiency, widen MSPCB’s responsibilities, and strengthen the implementation of key environmental laws.
“We will hold another review meeting in January to finalise the concrete steps on expanding the scope of the Board and ensuring better implementation of the Air Act, Water Act, and the Environment Protection Act,” he said.
Highlighting the need for MSPCB to lead by example, Sangma said, “More importantly, it sends a positive message that the Pollution Control Board is using clean energy and motivating other organisations to follow the same.”
Expressing optimism, he said the government envisions transforming the MSPCB into a “vibrant and effective body” capable of improving the air and water quality and addressing pollution challenges across the state.
He also inaugurated a 47 kW grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic system, an initiative he said reflects the government’s commitment to promoting the use of clean and renewable energy in public institutions.
He reiterated the state’s goal of expanding solar energy across government offices, homes, schools, and health centres. “We want every office and household to have some form of clean energy and solar backup,” he said.
He emphasised that the solar programme goes beyond the installation of panels.
“There is also an inverter and battery that allow energy to be stored and used whenever needed. We are providing a complete solution, not just a piecemeal one,” he added.
