Shillong: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has earned a Silver award in the Environment category at the 108th SKOCH Summit. The national recognition centers on the board’s reported success in lowering particulate matter levels within the industrial town of Byrnihat. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the board, though Byrnihat remains a known industrial pollution hotspot that frequently appears on national lists of the most polluted areas.
During the same event, the Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency secured a Gold award. This honor recognizes the agency's work in advancing sustainable power and renewable energy infrastructure across the state. The SKOCH Awards serve as a private assessment of governance and departmental performance across India.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma praised the efforts of both organizations. He stated that the awards "reflect the government’s commitment to environmental protection and public health." For residents living in the industrial corridors of Ri-Bhoi, the reality of these environmental improvements will be measured by the actual quality of the air and the effectiveness of future state oversight.
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