Guwahati: The Meghalaya High Court has asked the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the steps taken against industries responsible for pollution in Byrnihat, observing that the report placed before it lacked critical information on enforcement and compliance.
Hearing a public interest litigation, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh directed the pollution control board to provide an industry-wise account of action initiated against units contributing to environmental degradation.
The report must also specify whether the industries have implemented recommendations made by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and complied with pollution control measures outlined by the Supreme Court.
The court also sought clarity on allegations that industrial activities are polluting the Umtrew River, directing the board to include details of measures taken to address the issue.
Byrnihat, situated along the Meghalaya-Assam border, has frequently been listed among India’s most polluted urban centres due to poor air quality linked to industrial emissions.
In addition to air pollution, the bench sought updates on efforts to restore water quality in several rivers of East Jaintia Hills, including the Waikhyrwi, Thwai Kungor, Rawaka, Kmai-um, Metyngka, Ummynkseh and Umkyrpong. The rivers have been examined by multiple scientific agencies, including the Meghalaya Institute of Natural Resources.
The state government has also been directed to report on progress made in improving roads within the Byrnihat industrial area. The court noted that better road infrastructure had been recommended by NEERI as part of measures to reduce dust and pollution.
Addressing public health concerns, the bench took on record an affidavit from the Health Department stating that a Rs 12 lakh research project has been approved to examine the impact of ambient air pollution on respiratory illnesses. Byrnihat has been chosen as the first location for the study.
The court further asked the department to explore deploying a radiologist at the Byrnihat Primary Health Centre at least three days a week. At present, X-ray scans conducted at the facility are interpreted at Nongpoh Civil Hospital because no radiologist is stationed there.
The Transport Department has also been instructed to file a report outlining measures taken to curb vehicular emissions, particularly from heavy trucks operating in the industrial corridor.
Recognising that pollution in Byrnihat extends across the Meghalaya-Assam border, the bench directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to explain the coordination mechanism in place with the Assam Pollution Control Board to tackle cross-border environmental issues.
The High Court appointed advocate Philemon Nongbri as amicus curiae, with advocates R. Pahsyntiew and D.S. Pajat assisting him. The legal team has been asked to visit Byrnihat, including the primary health centre, and submit an independent report before the next hearing.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 10.