Shillong, Jun 29: Byrnihat in the Ri Bhoi district is witnessing a paradoxical situation characterised by economic development through ethanol factories juxtaposed with rising concerns regarding air pollution.
A recent documentary, which has become quite popular in social networks, by YouTuber Sarthak Goswami shed light on the environmental ramifications of ethanol production in the heavily industrialised town situated along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
Goswami’s report draws attention to the significant air and soil pollution faced by the residents of Byrnihat, particularly from ethanol manufacturing plants. The documentary presents alarming visuals of thick smoke billowing from factory chimneys and black soot coating local foliage. Residents express that the air quality has deteriorated since the influx of industries, leading to increased respiratory ailments and other health issues.
Despite these alarming claims, State Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla stated that the government has not received formal complaints regarding health issues linked to the ethanol factories. He stated the need for concrete evidence before any governmental survey could be conducted.
Shylla acknowledged the complexity of pollution, noting that it transcends borders and could potentially affect health in both Assam and Meghalaya. He said that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will discuss the matter with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma to bring down pollution.
He also said that recently, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) won an award for reducing the pollution level in Byrnihat, claiming that the government is serious about the problem.
