Meghalaya Orders Industrial Audit To Tackle Byrnihat Pollution Crisis

BYRNIHAT: The Meghalaya government has initiated an urgent audit of industrial units in Byrnihat following claims that Byrnihat was the most polluted town in the world according to IQAir's World Air Quality Report 2024.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma issued the directive where the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has been given a week to complete a thorough investigation on Meghalaya’s side of Byrnihat. The Forest and Environment Department will review the findings and take appropriate action.

Addressing the state assembly earlier, CM 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. 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. A joint action plan with Assam has also been suggested by CM Sangma to address the worsening air quality issue.

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.

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