Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has ordered the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to file an industry-wise report detailing action against polluters in Byrnihat. Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh issued the directive after finding previous reports lacked necessary information on enforcement. This follows public interest litigation 13 of 2026 regarding the industrial hub near the Assam border.
Pollution is rampant. The court specifically demanded an account of efforts to protect the Umtrew River. It also ordered the board to prove compliance with National Environmental Engineering Research Institute recommendations and a Supreme Court judgment regarding industrial oversight. The Central Pollution Control Board must now explain how it coordinates with its Assam counterpart to monitor units straddling the border.
East Jaintia Hills faces similar environmental decay. The court requested updates on the Waikhyrwi, Thwai Kungor, Rawaka, Kmai-um, Metyngka, Ummynkseh, and Umkyrpong rivers. These waterways have been studied by the Meghalaya Institute of Natural Resources, yet the pollution remains. The Public Works Department must also report on road improvements aimed at lowering dust levels in the Byrnihat industrial zone.
Public health is at a breaking point. The Health Department sanctioned a research project with an approved budget of 12 lakh rupees to study the "Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory Symptoms in Meghalaya." Byrnihat is the first phase of this study. The court ordered the department to explore stationing a radiologist at the Byrnihat Primary Health Centre three times a week. Currently, X-ray images are sent to Nongpoh Civil Hospital because no radiologist is on staff. Meanwhile, the Transport Department must account for emissions from heavy trucks.
The court appointed Philemon Nongbri as amicus curiae, assisted by advocates R. Pahsyntiew and D.S. Pajat. The legal team, along with the secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, will inspect the site. They must file their findings before the August 10 hearing.
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