A task force comprising of scientists and environment engineers of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) today began its ground work of conducting an audit and inspection in the ‘world’s most polluted’ area, Byrnihat.
Member Secretary of the board, GH Chyrmang and the five-member task force led by senior scientist S. Swer, three environment engineers, S. Syiem, Y.F.H Laloo and M. S. Tiewsoh and Scientist-B, M.N. Warbah visited eight factories on day one.
The pollution board has been tasked to conduct a comprehensive audit and inspection of all industrial units and to submit its report before March 26.
Speaking to reporters Chyrmang said at this stage the focus will be on evaluating air pollution levels from the factories, which will then be followed with assessments on the extent of pollutants being discharged into nearby rivers.
He said many of the factories the team visited today were found operating with minimal regard for pollution control.
The task force found that many factories do not consistently use Pollution Control Devices (PCDs) to reduce emissions. The use of PCDs happens only when government inspection teams are present, which is not sufficient, Chyrmang said.
According to data recorded in the Meghalaya state action plan for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution released in December 2024, there are a total of 39 industrial units in Assam and 41 in Meghalaya in the Byrnihat area. It records that 20 of those in Assam and five in Meghalaya are ‘red category’ industries.
IQAir – a Swiss company that tracks global air quality – published a report that stated that Byrnihat, which has turned into a regional industrial hub over the years, has the highest annual average PM 2.5 concentration in the world. Very fine particulate matter is a major health risk associated with lung and heart disease, cancer, etc and is responsible for millions of premature deaths globally every year.
It may be mentioned that the pollution board during its surprise inspection carried out in February issued closure to six industrial units and imposed fines on two of them for contributing to hazardous air pollution in Byrnihat.
