Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed concern over Byrnihat’s grim distinction as the world’s most polluted city, as per the World Air Quality Report 2024 by Swiss technology company IQAir.
Sangma described the situation as “disturbing” and assured citizens that the government is working tirelessly to mitigate pollution in the industrial hub near the Assam border.
The report highlights that 13 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat leading the list.
Previously, in 2023, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ranked Byrnihat as the country’s most polluted urban centre, registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 302 in the “very poor” category.
This marked a continuation of its troubling reputation.
“This revelation is alarming. We are leaving no stone unturned to tackle this challenge with both short- and long-term measures,” Sangma said.
He also noted that the government has identified key polluters in the region and issued closure notices to several units over the past year.
The pollution in Byrnihat is attributed primarily to emissions from local industries, including distilleries and iron and steel plants.
Proximity to brick kilns and industrial units near Guwahati in neighbouring Assam has compounded the issue.
Sangma emphasised the need for collaborative action, urging the Assam government to crack down on polluters within its jurisdiction.
“We are hopeful that working closely with Assam will bring tangible improvements to the situation,” he said.
The chief minister also announced plans to formally address the matter with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Local residents, however, continue to bear the brunt of Byrnihat’s deteriorating air quality. Sisten Nongrum, headman of Harlibagan, one of Byrnihat’s localities, detailed the hardships faced by the community.
“It’s difficult for children and the elderly to breathe. Cases of asthma and other respiratory ailments are on the rise. We are also grappling with water and noise pollution. We urge authorities in both states to act decisively,” Nongrum said.
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He pointed out that while one iron bar factory operates in Harlibagan, most industrial units are concentrated in Lower Balian, the state’s primary industrial area.
He added that the noise pollution from these industries has become unbearable.
In response, Sangma informed the Meghalaya Assembly that seven industrial units have been shut down for violating pollution control norms.
He assured that surprise inspections would continue to identify and penalize offenders.
“The government will not hesitate to take firm action against any industrial unit found flouting the rules,” he stated.
