Further inspections by officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) have been carried out in Ri-Bhoi to check on factories that are suspected of exceeding air pollution limits.
Public protests led to the closure of six factories yesterday by the MSPCB in the Byrnihat area. The names of the factories were not known at the time of filing yesterday’s report. However, today, the MSPCB’s Environmental Engineer, YF Laloo, named them as Shyam Century Ferro Alloy Pvt Ltd, Khasi Alloy Ltd, Nalari Ferro Alloys Pvt Ltd, Pawan Casting Pvt Ltd, FW Ferro Tech Pvt Ltd and SR Bio-Product Pvt Ltd.
Today, the MSPCB conducted surprise daytime and night inspections at 13 Mile, Tamulkuchi, to identify factories operating in violation of air pollution norms both during the day and at night. Laloo emphasised that such pollution poses serious health risks to the local population.
Fines were also imposed on two factories: Shyam Century Ferro Alloywas fined Rs 4 lakh, while Khasi Alloy was fined Rs 2 lakh for contributing to hazardous air pollution.
Laloo further stated that surprise inspections will continue periodically across Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills and other parts of the state to ensure compliance with environmental norms and action will be taken against violators.
