Shillong, Jul 2: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has strongly condemned the casual and irresponsible response of Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla to the alarming pollution crisis in Byrnihat.
“At a time when Byrnihat has repeatedly come under scrutiny for severe industrial pollution, the minister’s statement that no formal written complaint had been received reflects a shocking lack of seriousness and sensitivity towards the health and safety of the people,” HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said.
He said for many years, the residents of Byrnihat have grappled with severe industrial pollution, attributed to emissions from local factories, including an ethanol production plant, which has led to toxic air quality and increasing health concerns among citizens. “The people of Byrnihat cannot be left to suffer while the government hides behind excuses and procedural technicalities,” Synrem said.
The HYC argued that the health department should not wait for written complaints to act on such critical issues. The government must prioritise public health and take proactive steps to address the pollution rather than hiding behind bureaucratic procedures.
The group has sought immediate governmental intervention, including strict action against violators of environmental norms for the welfare of the people of Byrnihat.
“The people of Byrnihat and surrounding area deserve clean air and a government that stands with them, not one that appears to shield polluters through silence and delay,” Synrem said, adding that if the government fails to act urgently, the HYC will be compelled to take necessary actions.
