Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya slammed state officials for letting polluting industries run wild in Byrnihat. Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh slammed the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for inaction. These factories operate with impunity under the very nose of the authorities. The bench demanded accountability after reviewing evidence of ongoing environmental damage.
Amicus Curiae Philemon Nongbri submitted a site inspection report detailing air pollution, industrial waste in the Umtrew River, and the strained capacity of the Byrnihat PHC. The court noted that officials failed to submit promised water quality reports despite repeated orders. Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika confirmed new water test results will arrive at the next hearing.
The court issued show cause notices for contempt against Member Secretary Dr G.H. Chyrmang and senior environmental engineer S. Syiem. Judges found no serious effort to protect locals from acute respiratory illnesses linked to the pollution. The two officers must appear at the next session to answer for their failure. Meanwhile, the court ordered the Managing Director of MIDC added as a respondent for ignoring directives issued on August 13, 2026.
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