Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla stated that the government requires formal written complaints from concerned activists to initiate an investigation into air pollution in Byrnihat. This comes after reports on social media claimed a 77 per cent increase in respiratory illnesses over the past two years in the area.
Shylla emphasized that the government cannot act solely on social media posts and must adhere to established procedures. He noted that while various allegations are circulating on social media, the government needs to verify the information before taking any decision, as it would have implications for the livelihoods of people in the area.
The minister pointed to the National Green Tribunal’s ban on coal mining in 2014, which significantly affected many livelihoods. He stressed that the government would carefully examine all concerns but needed adequate time to verify the information before taking any decision.
A study by IQAir, conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, found that Byrnihat recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 micrograms per cubic metre, a level considered hazardous to public health. Shylla acknowledged that Byrnihat had previously been identified as one of the country’s most polluted locations and that the state government had cracked down on industrial units that failed to comply with pollution-control norms.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board continuously monitors industrial units using technological systems and follows a detailed assessment process before issuing Consent to Operate certificates. The minister reiterated that the government expects written representations from Rangbah Shnongs or local residents if they have concerns, adding that authorities cannot launch surveys solely on the basis of observations made by individuals or organisations visiting the area.
Shylla also drew a comparison with Delhi, where authorities take action based on air quality index readings, and stated that the Meghalaya government would likewise verify all available data and complete the necessary procedures before acting, given that any action could affect employment and industrial activity.
