Nongpoh, Jul 29: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) on Wednesday began a two-day trial of air purifiers installed at two locations in Byrnihat to tackle worsening pollution in the industrial town.
The proposed system is the WARO C6, developed by Mumbai-based Zero Carbon Tech24 Pvt. Ltd. The solar-powered machine is designed to draw in polluted ambient air, filter it, and release up to 30 litres of clean air per second.
MSPCB officials said the trial showed a noticeable drop in pollution levels in the immediate areas, indicating potential to improve ambient air quality.
Cabinet Minister and Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, after a review meeting, said the government proposes installing the advanced air purification machines in Byrnihat as a pilot project. He said the WARO C6 would serve as an additional measure to improve local air quality, particularly to address vehicular emissions, while industries would still be required to meet all existing pollution control norms.
“If approved, this will be introduced as a pilot in Byrnihat,” Sohtun said. He clarified the machines would supplement, not replace, existing regulations.
MSPCB Member Secretary George H Chyrmang said the results were encouraging. He noted that while industrial emissions are regulated, vehicular pollution remains a major challenge that the purifiers could help address.
Byrnihat was ranked among India’s most polluted towns in 2024, but Chyrmang said levels have improved due to stricter monitoring.
Sohtun added that pollution sources also lie across the border in Assam, and tackling it requires both technology and public awareness. He said he had taken up the matter with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who directed MSPCB to scientifically evaluate the technology.
The minister also announced government approval for a regional office of the pollution board in Byrnihat. At present, officials travel from Shillong for inspections, causing delays. The new office is expected to enable faster response to complaints and stronger enforcement in the Byrnihat industrial belt.
