Meghalaya awaiting report on Byrnihat pollution, residents urged to file complaints
Shillong, July 15
Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Wednesday said the state government is awaiting the findings of an official enquiry into allegations that industrial pollution in Byrnihat has led to respiratory illnesses among residents, while urging people to submit written complaints instead of relying solely on social media posts.
Addressing concerns over the environmental and health situation in the industrial belt, Shylla said the government is aware of Byrnihat's history of pollution and has already taken several steps to improve compliance with environmental norms.
He acknowledged that Byrnihat had earlier been identified as one of the country's most polluted industrial clusters but maintained that the state has acted against industries found violating pollution control regulations.
According to the minister, several industrial units have been shut down in recent years for failing to adhere to prescribed environmental standards.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring that industries operate within the framework of pollution control laws.
Shylla said the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has also enhanced its surveillance system by deploying monitoring sensors to continuously assess pollution levels and strengthening inspections of industrial units.
He noted that the Board follows a detailed process before granting Consent to Operate (CTO) to industries and carries out periodic inspections to ensure compliance. If any violations are detected during inspections or monitoring, necessary directions and regulatory action are taken in accordance with the law, he added.
On recent allegations that pollution in Byrnihat has contributed to an increase in respiratory ailments, the Health Minister said the government has already ordered an enquiry and will take an appropriate decision after examining the report.
He stressed that any further action would be based on the findings of the investigation rather than speculation.
Appealing to residents to cooperate with the authorities, Shylla said those facing pollution-related issues should lodge formal written complaints with the concerned departments so that the government can verify the claims and initiate action through established legal procedures.
His remarks come amid renewed public concern over air quality in the Byrnihat industrial region and the possible health impact of emissions from factories operating in the area.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Shillong, I'm relieved the Health Minister is addressing this. But asking residents to file complaints is fine—what about those who can't write or access officials? The government should also set up a toll-free helpline for complaints. Pollution doesn't wait for paperwork. 🌫️
I've seen the smoke from those factories near Byrnihat—it's horrible. The minister says they've shut some units, but more needs to be done. Why not install real-time air quality monitoring publicly so residents know the truth? Transparency earns trust. Also, respiratory issues are no joke—this is a health emergency. 🏭❌
Finally, some official response! But I'm skeptical—'awaiting report' sounds like a delay tactic. We've heard similar promises before. Also, the minister should visit Byrnihat himself and see the children coughing. Hope the enquiry is independent and not influenced by industrial lobbies. 🤞
Respectfully, this is too little too late. Byrnihat has been a pollution hotspot for decades, and now they want written complaints? How many poor families have the time or resources to file formal complaints? The government should deploy health camps first, then talk about paperwork. Also, those monitoring sensors better not be 'cosmetic'—we've seen that before. 😐
I appreciate the minister's assurance, but talk is cheap. Show me the number of factories closed, the fines collected, and the drop in pollution levels. Also, social media posts are often the only voice of worried citizens—don't dismiss them. The internet is a
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.