Shillong: The Meghalaya government has launched an urgent audit of industrial units in Byrnihat following reports identifying it as the most polluted town globally in IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2024.
The directive, issued by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, tasks the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) with completing a comprehensive inspection of industries on the state’s side of Byrnihat within a week.
The findings are to be submitted to the Forest and Environment Department for further action.
Addressing the state assembly earlier, Chief Minister Sangma highlighted concerns raised by international and national reports on Byrnihat’s deteriorating air quality.
He called for a coordinated approach with Assam, noting that most of the heavily polluting “red-category” industries operate on the Assam side of Byrnihat.
ALSO READ: SC seeks replies on PIL alleging Arunachal CM awarded contracts to kin
The Assam Pollution Control Board has already begun auditing industrial units within its territory.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya has initiated strict measures to monitor and reduce pollution within its jurisdiction.
Sangma has also proposed a collaborative action plan with Assam to address the escalating air quality crisis.
The joint efforts by both state governments underscore a shared commitment to tackling environmental challenges in Byrnihat, ensuring public health protection and encouraging sustainable industrial practices.
