Shillong: Meghalaya is forming a joint watchdog to police Byrnihat industries. Pressure mounted after local leaders linked factory emissions to a spike in cancer and tuberculosis. They demanded action at a meeting held at the MeECL Inspection Bungalow on Monday. Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun led the session to tackle the town's worsening air quality.
Industry reps and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board argued that reports on pollution levels were unfair. Village leaders pushed back hard. They cited foul smells and breathing problems as evidence of the damage. They want a regional office built to handle inspections faster. Sohtun promised to take this request to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The new committee includes both officials and village representatives. Locals can now submit photos and documents to flag illegal dumping or smoke. Sohtun warned that firms violating the rules will face consequences. “The MSPCB must immediately intensify its investigation into the source of the air pollution and take stringent action against industries violating environmental norms,” Sohtun said. The state plans to work with Assam to watch factories near the border.
Comments