Air Quality In Meghalaya's Byrnihat Better Than Reported: CM Conrad Sangma

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday refuted concerns over a media report citing "very poor" air quality in Byrnihat, clarifying that the data referred to monitoring stations is situated in Assam, not in Meghalaya.

Addressing the Budget Session 2025, CM Sangma explained that the report's data was sourced from the Central Academy for State Forest Service in Assam. He highlighted that Byrnihat in Assam, home to several red-category industries, is categorised as a critically polluted area by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Assam, following the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has already implemented an action plan to curb pollution in the region. In contrast, Sangma presented data from four monitoring stations of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for January 2025, indicating that Byrnihat in Meghalaya recorded "satisfactory" and "moderate" air quality. The "moderate" category was limited to the export promotion hub.

The chief minister stressed the importance of collaboration between Assam and Meghalaya in addressing pollution but reiterated that Meghalaya must prioritise stringent enforcement within its jurisdiction. He revealed that seven industrial units had been shut down for violating pollution norms, while the MSPCB had been instructed to conduct surprise inspections and take strict action against offenders.

CM Sangma revealed plans to write to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to strengthen cooperation between the two states and their pollution control boards. He also called upon local communities to actively participate in combating pollution and reducing its various forms.

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