Dipak Kurmi
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com.)
Assam, a state known for its lush greenery and rich biodiversity, is now battling an invisible yet formidable enemy—air pollution. A series of alarming reports have unveiled a severe degradation of air quality in Byrnihat, Guwahati, and other industrial hubs, placing Assam at the centre of a growing environmental crisis. The emergence of Byrnihat as the world’s most polluted city, according to IQAir’s recent assessment, has rattled policymakers and citizens alike. The findings underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts, regulatory overhauls, and sustainable solutions to counter the mounting pollution crisis.
Byrnihat: The world’s most polluted city
Byrnihat, a border town straddling Assam and Meghalaya, has become the focal point of India’s worsening pollution crisis. IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2024 positioned Byrnihat at the top of the global pollution index, registering an average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 micrograms per cubic metre—far beyond permissible limits. The report has spurred immediate reactions from both Assam and Meghalaya governments, leading to a reassessment of pollution control strategies. Meghalaya’s Chief Minister has disputed the findings, citing local pollution board data that suggests a lower annual average. However, the contrasting assessments have only added to the confusion surrounding Byrnihat’s environmental status.
Industrial fallout: A red
category menace
Byrnihat’s crisis stems primarily from unchecked industrial pollution. The town houses 39 industrial units, with a significant concentration of red-category industries on the Assam side. These industries, known for their high pollution output, have been linked to critical air quality deterioration. In response, the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) has announced an immediate evaluation of pollution control measures across these industries. Additionally, a source apportionment study is being planned in collaboration with research institutions such as IITs to pinpoint the primary pollution sources. The Meghalaya government has also directed a comprehensive audit of industries operating within its jurisdiction, aiming to curb transboundary pollution spillovers.
Guwahati: A city choking
on dust and smoke
The capital city of Assam, Guwahati, is experiencing its own air quality woes, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, construction activities, and vehicular emissions. Recent AQI readings have painted a grim picture, with pollution levels soaring past 170 during peak hours, rivalling some of the worst-affected cities in India. The onset of spring, coupled with extensive construction projects and haphazard urban expansion, has filled the city’s air with harmful particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 and PM10. Cement dust pollution has emerged as a significant health hazard, leading to chronic respiratory illnesses among residents.
Guwahati’s deteriorating air quality has been further compounded by rampant garbage burning, including plastic and polythene waste. The release of carcinogenic chemicals from burning plastics poses long-term health risks, exacerbating respiratory disorders and increasing the prevalence of allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. The lack of stringent enforcement of environmental regulations has allowed these hazardous practices to continue unabated, worsening the city’s pollution crisis.
Transboundary pollution:
A regional conundrum
A groundbreaking study conducted by IIT Kanpur and the National Aerosol Facility has provided new insights into Guwahati’s pollution crisis. The study highlights the substantial role of transboundary pollution originating from the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) and Bangladesh, particularly during winter months. According to the findings, nearly 47% of Guwahati’s air pollution is influenced by air masses travelling from the IGP, while 32% originates from Bangladesh. The study also attributes pollution spikes to meteorological factors such as low temperatures, weak winds, and a shallow planetary boundary layer that traps pollutants close to the ground.
These revelations underscore the necessity of regional cooperation to combat air pollution effectively. The Meghalaya government has taken a proactive stance, engaging the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to conduct an emission inventory and source apportionment study. Additionally, letters have been exchanged between the chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya, proposing joint action plans and regulatory collaborations to address the crisis.
Policy interventions
and future roadmap
In response to the escalating pollution crisis, the Assam government has initiated several measures aimed at strengthening environmental governance. The launch of the Pollution Control Board, Assam’s (PCBA) new mobile application for Online Consent Management and Monitoring System (OCMMS), marks a significant step towards digitalizing environmental compliance. Developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the app is designed to streamline consent applications for industries, ensuring faster approvals and enhanced transparency.
The OCMMS app will facilitate real-time monitoring of pollution control measures, reduce manual intervention, and create a single-window system for consent processing. Member Secretary of PCBA, Gokul Bhuyan, highlighted the app’s role in simplifying compliance, enabling industries to adhere proactively to environmental norms. The initiative reflects a growing commitment towards sustainable industrial development, balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.
However, beyond digital solutions, stringent regulatory enforcement remains crucial. Meghalaya’s recent crackdown on non-compliant industries, including closure notices and environmental compensation penalties, sets a precedent for Assam to follow. Strengthening pollution monitoring networks, expanding green buffer zones, and implementing stricter emission controls are essential steps in mitigating long-term air quality deterioration.
The health and environmental toll
The ramifications of Assam’s pollution crisis extend beyond environmental degradation. The health implications are severe, with rising cases of respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic lung infections. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 has been linked to increased risks of lung cancer, pneumonia, and reduced life expectancy. The proliferation of dust mites, pollen, and industrial emissions has further exacerbated allergic reactions, making air pollution a silent but deadly public health emergency.
Urgent measures, such as improved waste management, promotion of green energy alternatives, and stricter industrial audits, are required to curb pollution levels. Citizen awareness campaigns, combined with robust policy interventions, can foster a culture of environmental responsibility, encouraging industries and individuals alike to adopt sustainable practices.
A call for collective action
The unfolding air pollution crisis in Assam, particularly in Byrnihat and Guwahati, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action. The convergence of industrial emissions, unchecked urbanization, and transboundary pollution presents a formidable challenge that demands a multi-pronged approach. While digital innovations like the OCMMS app signal progress in environmental governance, their effectiveness hinges on strict enforcement and sustained governmental commitment.
Collaborative efforts between Assam and Meghalaya, alongside research-driven mitigation strategies, hold the key to reversing the pollution trend. The health and well-being of millions are at stake, making it imperative for policymakers, industries, and citizens to unite in the fight against air pollution. Only through concerted and sustained interventions can Assam hope to reclaim its air and secure a healthier future for generations to come.