Shillong: The Meghalaya government is holding off on a full-scale air purification project in Byrnihat. Officials want more proof that the tech actually works. Cabinet Minister Sosthenus Sohtun said the final call hinges on results from current trials. Experts are skeptical. The industrial zone is too big for a few standalone machines.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board tested solar-powered units built by Mumbai firm Zero Carbon Tech24 Pvt Ltd. These units aimed to strip particulate pollution from the open air. Initial data showed a 45 per cent drop in pollutants near the machines. Critics doubt these gains hold up against shifting winds. They flagged inconsistencies in airflow data and questioned if the machines can manage high volumes of air.
Sohtun pushed back on the criticism while keeping his options open. He noted that the government only moves forward if the technology shows real results. He also stressed the importance of industry accountability. Local stakeholders now have a direct line to authorities through the Joint Action Committee. "The government would base any decision on the results of the trial, with a pilot project to follow only if the technology demonstrates sufficient effectiveness," Sohtun said.
Enforcement remains the primary tool for now. Officials have already shuttered several industrial units for breaking pollution rules. Byrnihat faces constant pressure over thick emissions. While machines are on the table, the state is still looking at ways to cut pollution at the source.
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