Byrnihat, July 6: In a bid to address the problems faced by residents of the Byrnihat area due to pollution, after the locality gained notoriety for being ranked among the world’s most polluted places in terms of air quality, Jirang MLA and Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Sosthenes Sohtun on Sunday convened a special meeting to deliberate on measures to reduce pollution that has severely affected local residents.
The meeting was held at the MeECL IB, Byrnihat, and was attended by Cabinet Minister and also MLA of Jirang Constituency Sosthenes Sohtun, Chairman of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board R. Nainamalai, Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Saini, Ri Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, officials from the PWD and MIDC, representatives of industries in Meghalaya, as well as members of the federation of village headmen and local community leaders from the Byrnihat area.
During the meeting, representatives of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and industrial representatives made a slide presentation highlighting the reported decline in pollution levels in Byrnihat and the measures being undertaken to reduce air pollution. They also claimed that certain sections of the media had attempted to create a misleading impression by portraying Byrnihat as the world’s most polluted place without presenting the complete factual picture.
Village heads and local leaders were also given an opportunity to raise concerns over the impact of pollution allegedly emanating from industries in Byrnihat. Among the key issues highlighted were the adverse effects on public health, with claims that many residents have been diagnosed with diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis (TB), the persistent foul-smelling emissions in the area, and the need to establish a Regional Office of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board at Byrnihat to enable prompt investigation into the sources of foul odours and pollution.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the decision to identify the root causes of the recurring foul-smelling emissions. It was decided that a special committee comprising representatives of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and local village leaders would be constituted. The committee will allow residents and community leaders to directly submit complaints supported by photographs and other evidence to help identify and verify the sources of pollution allegedly originating from industries.
Speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Minister and local representative Sosthenes Sohtun said the primary objective of convening the meeting was to find practical solutions to the problems faced by residents due to air pollution, particularly the persistent foul odour, and the reported increase in various health problems allegedly linked to polluted air. He stressed the need to determine the root causes of the pollution.
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He further stated that, following the discussions, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board must immediately undertake a thorough investigation into the source of the foul-smelling emissions and closely monitor industries found to be violating environmental regulations or contributing to pollution that affects the public.
The Minister also said that, in response to the demand raised by local residents for a Regional Office of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board at Byrnihat, he would personally take up the matter with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. He added that the issue of pollution requires coordinated efforts between the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and the Assam authorities, as Byrnihat comprises industries located on both sides of the Meghalaya-Assam border, with many industrial units situated in Assam.
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He further informed that, besides adopting measures to address the concerns of residents affected by pollution allegedly caused by industries, the proposed joint committee of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and village leaders would investigate complaints supported by documentary evidence. If any industries are found to be responsible for emitting pollutants or foul-smelling gases, appropriate action can be initiated, while all stakeholders will work together to identify the root causes of the pollution that has significantly affected the people of Byrnihat, he added.
