By Dipak Kurmi
The northeastern states of Assam and Meghalaya are facing an environmental catastrophe of alarming proportions. Byrnihat, a bustling industrial town straddling the Assam-Meghalaya border, recently gained the unfortunate distinction of being the most polluted city in the world, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Report 2024. This revelation has triggered widespread concern among policymakers, regulatory bodies, and environmentalists, leading to intensified scrutiny of industrial emissions and pollution control measures. With air quality indices (AQI) plunging to hazardous levels, the crisis has severe implications for public health, ecological balance, and regulatory efficacy.
Industrial Pollution: The Root of Byrnihat’s Crisis
Byrnihat has long been a hub for industries, particularly in sectors such as cement, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, lax enforcement of environmental regulations and rampant industrial emissions have contributed to the town’s severe air pollution. On the Assam side alone, 39 industries operate, with 20 categorized as ‘red’ due to their high pollution potential. While the Meghalaya side houses fewer industries, it has also seen notable air quality deterioration.
Despite the existence of a Byrnihat-specific action plan, its implementation has been sluggish. Heavy truck movement, go-down operations, and unregulated emissions from industrial units have further exacerbated pollution levels. Dust from roads and construction activities, along with transboundary pollution from other regions, has compounded the crisis. This has led to an unprecedented surge in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air, posing dire health risks to the population.
The Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA), has responded to the IQAir report by initiating stricter regulatory measures. To address the crisis, a source apportionment study is being commissioned, likely through IIT or another professional agency, to pinpoint the dominant contributors to pollution—whether from industrial emissions, road dust, or vehicular pollutants. Industries that fail to comply with emission norms now face potential shutdowns, with inspections already underway to assess their pollution control mechanisms.
Digital Innovations in Environmental Governance
In an effort to strengthen regulatory oversight, Assam’s Environment and Forest Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, recently launched a new mobile application for the Pollution Control Board’s online consent management and monitoring system (OCMMS). Developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), this app aims to streamline the environmental compliance process for industries, ensuring faster approvals for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO).
This digital leap marks a crucial step toward transparency and efficiency in pollution control enforcement. PCBA Chairman Dr. Arup Kumar Misra emphasized that the app will not only encourage industries to adhere to environmental norms but also facilitate real-time monitoring of pollution control measures. The introduction of a single-window system will allow for seamless tracking of applications, compliance reports, and regulatory inspections, significantly enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
Meghalaya’s Regulatory Response and Calls for Collaboration
While Assam bears the brunt of Byrnihat’s industrial emissions, Meghalaya has also taken measures to address its share of the pollution crisis. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has issued closure notices to seven industrial units and imposed environmental compensation on two others for violating pollution control norms. Additionally, the state government has initiated a comprehensive audit of industrial units in Byrnihat, with a focus on identifying non-compliant industries and enforcing corrective measures.
Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, has expressed reservations about the IQAir report’s findings, citing MSPCB data that records a significantly lower PM2.5 concentration of 50.1 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. However, he acknowledged the pressing need for a coordinated response and has engaged the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to conduct an emission inventory and source apportionment study. Sangma has also formally reached out to Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, advocating for a joint action plan to tackle the crisis.
Guwahati’s Alarming Pollution Levels: A Wider Crisis
The air pollution crisis is not confined to Byrnihat. Guwahati, Assam’s capital, is also experiencing deteriorating air quality, primarily due to unchecked construction activities, vehicular emissions, and industrial operations. Studies conducted by IIT Kanpur and the National Aerosol Facility reveal that PM2.5 pollution peaks at 113.05 micrograms per cubic meter in winter—nearly three times the national safety limit.
Four key contributors have been identified:
- Transboundary pollution from the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Bangladesh.
- Vehicular emissions from rapidly increasing urban traffic.
- Industrial and construction-related dust.
- Biomass and waste burning.
Given that nearly 47% of the air masses affecting Guwahati originate from the Indo-Gangetic Plain, pollution levels intensify during winter months. Researchers have recommended stricter regulations on industrial emissions, expansion of green buffer zones, and timely public health advisories during peak pollution periods.
Health Implications of Rising Pollution Levels
The health repercussions of Byrnihat and Guwahati’s worsening air quality are deeply concerning. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10, along with pollutants like SO2 and NO2, has led to a sharp rise in respiratory ailments, allergies, and chronic lung diseases. Residents frequently suffer from seasonal allergies, sneezing, and eye irritation due to elevated dust levels. Furthermore, inhalation of cement dust and burning plastic releases toxic compounds that can cause long-term damage to the lungs and immune system.
With asthma and bronchitis cases surging in polluted regions, medical experts have warned of an impending public health crisis. Immediate interventions are needed to mitigate these risks and improve air quality across Assam and Meghalaya.
Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Policy Recommendations
Addressing the air pollution crisis in Byrnihat and beyond requires a multi-faceted approach integrating stringent enforcement, technological advancements, and sustainable urban planning. The following policy measures could prove instrumental:
- Stronger Industrial Regulations: Implementing strict monitoring and ensuring the use of advanced pollution control technologies in industries.
- Green Buffer Zones: Mandating industries to convert at least 30% of their premises into green zones to absorb pollutants.
- Construction Regulations: Enforcing dust mitigation measures, such as mandatory covering of construction sites and proper disposal of waste materials.
- Vehicular Emission Control: Expanding public transport, promoting electric and hybrid vehicles, and enforcing stringent emission standards.
- Cross-Border Coordination: Enhancing collaboration between Assam and Meghalaya through joint inspections, data-sharing, and synchronized policy measures.
- Public Awareness Initiatives: Launching campaigns to promote sustainable practices and encourage citizen participation in pollution reduction efforts.
A Call for Urgent Action
The severe air pollution levels in Byrnihat and Guwahati serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked industrialization and weak regulatory oversight. With Byrnihat ranked as the world’s most polluted city and Guwahati grappling with hazardous air quality, the need for immediate intervention has never been greater.
While Assam and Meghalaya have initiated steps to address the crisis, sustained and coordinated action is essential for long-term environmental sustainability. The launch of the OCMMS mobile application, stricter industrial monitoring, and cross-border collaboration represent promising efforts, but they must be reinforced with firm policy commitments and public participation. Only through decisive and collective action can the region secure a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
