Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court ordered the State Pollution Control Board to file an industry-wise report on pollution in Byrnihat. The bench, led by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh, ruled that a previous submission lacked key details on cleanup efforts. The court wants specific data on industrial compliance with National Environmental Engineering Research Institute recommendations and recent Supreme Court mandates.
Byrnihat sits on the Assam border and routinely ranks as one of India's dirtiest urban zones. The court also ordered the Transport Department to tackle heavy truck emissions. Officials must also address water contamination in the Umtrew river and seven other rivers in East Jaintia Hills, including the Waikhyrwi, Thwai Kungor, Rawaka, Kmai-um, Metyngka, Ummynkseh, and Umkyrpong.
Health concerns are mounting. The state approved a Rs 12 lakh project to study the link between local air quality and respiratory illness. The bench ordered the Health Department to send a radiologist to the Byrnihat Primary Health Centre three times a week. Currently, X-rays travel to Nongpoh Civil Hospital for review. The court noted the current system is inadequate.
The Central Pollution Control Board must now detail how it works with the Assam Pollution Control Board to manage cross-border industrial impacts. Amicus curiae Philemon Nongbri, along with advocates R. Pahsyntiew and D.S. Pajat, will inspect the area. They must report back before the next hearing. The court stated, "The bench also sought reports on measures taken to tackle pollution in several rivers of East Jaintia Hills." All parties must return to court on August 10.
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