Shillong, Jul 27: The Meghalaya High Court pulled up the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) for filing an “incomplete” affidavit on industrial pollution in Byrnihat.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh noted lack of data on action taken against polluting industries in Byrnihat and those polluting the Umtrew River.
MSPCB counsel sought time and assured a detailed affidavit covering action against each industry and on specific and general recommendations made by CSIR-NEERI. The board was also directed to report on steps taken to demand environmental compensation and bank guarantees as per the Supreme Court judgment in Delhi Pollution Control Committee vs Lodhi Property Co. Ltd.
The court further asked MSPCB to detail action on pollution of 7 rivers/streams in East Jaintia Hills — Waikhyrwi, Thwai Kungor, Rawaka, Kmai-um, Metyngka, Ummynkseh and Umkyrpong — whose water quality has been analysed by institutes including MBDA’s Meghalaya Institute of Natural Resources.
Additional Advocate General K. Khan submitted a Health Department affidavit stating a Rs 12 lakh study on “Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory Symptoms in Meghalaya” has been sanctioned. The first phase will cover Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi.
The court was told the Byrnihat PHC sees many acute respiratory cases but has no radiologist, with X-rays sent to Nongpoh. The Health Department was asked to consider posting a radiologist thrice a week and file a report.
The AAG was also asked to update on PWD/MIDC road work in Byrnihat’s industrial area per NEERI and on Transport Department measures to curb truck emissions.
The court also directed the Central Pollution Control Board to file an affidavit on steps taken with the Assam Pollution Control Board, since part of Byrnihat falls in Assam and hosts industries. A CPCB officer has been asked to join the next hearing.
The court also appointed Advocate Philemon Nongbri as Amicus Curiae, assisted by Advocates R. Pahsyntiew and D.S. Pajat. Nongbri and the Secretary, DLSA Ri-Bhoi, Nongpoh, have been asked to visit the Byrnihat area, including the PHC, and submit a report.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 10.
