Shillong: The Meghalaya Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has confirmed that it is actively monitoring the air quality in Byrnihat, which has been named the most polluted town in India again this year.
According to a bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Byrnihat has earned the distinction of being the only town among 231 urban centres across India to be classified in the “severe” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 412.
Byrnihat’s pollution levels are significantly higher than those of other major urban areas, including Guwahati, Delhi, Gurugram, Hajipur, and Muzaffarpur, which were all categorized as “very poor” by the CPCB. Most other cities were placed in the “poor,” “moderate,” or “satisfactory” categories.
The CPCB has highlighted that towns in the “severe” AQI range (401-500) pose significant health risks to both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and making improvements. The data we’ve collected over the past two months shows a positive trend in reducing pollution levels in the Meghalaya portion of Byrnihat,” an MPCB official stated.
However, the official acknowledged that the board does not have access to data from Assam.
The official also pointed to the significant industrial activity on the Assam side of Byrnihat, including coke plants, cement grinding units, and various other factories, as key contributors to the area’s pollution.
“If Byrnihat is once again ranked among the most polluted places, we must consider the industrial activities taking place in Assam,” the official explained.
In response, the MPCB has implemented a range of initiatives to curb the pollution in Byrnihat.
These include regular inspections of industries that have been granted environmental clearances, with penalties for those found violating pollution norms.
The MPCB is also collaborating with the Transport Department to monitor pollution levels in vehicles passing through Byrnihat.
“Today, tests were conducted on vehicles traveling between Nongpoh and Byrnihat,” the official added.
The MPCB has also emphasised the importance of collaboration with its Assam counterpart, suggesting that coordination at the levels of the chairman and joint secretary could help address the issue across state lines.
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One of the primary causes of Byrnihat’s air quality crisis is emissions from 41 industrial units in the area.
Many of these factories have been criticised for lacking adequate pollution control measures, worsening the environmental crisis.
The MPCB continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to improving air quality in the region, but officials agree that a more collaborative effort with Assam will be key to tackling the broader pollution issues in Byrnihat.
