Shillong: A viral video sparked public anger over pollution in the Byrnihat industrial area. The clip pointed at Umiam Distillation Private Limited as a primary polluter. Residents saw thick white plumes in the footage. They demanded immediate action against the factory.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board hit back fast. Officials inspected the ethanol plant on June 29 to verify the claims. Test results showed dust emissions at 23 mg/Nm³. This sits well under the legal 50 mg/Nm³ limit. Other readings for nitrogen and sulphur oxides also fell within safe levels.
Member Secretary G.H. Chyrmang dismissed the claims. He stated the white plumes shown on social media were just steam from the production process. He said, "The Board noted that Byrnihat has many industries, and singling out one factory without proper checks was unfair."
The company general manager, Girjesh Joshi, backed the Board. He insisted the plant follows all environmental rules and uses high-end gear. Joshi argued that the documentary ignored other potential pollution sources nearby. He called for an independent study of the entire industrial estate to measure emissions from all factories and traffic.
The Board claims it already cut local dust levels by 45 percent. They pledged to keep watching the area for violations. Despite these denials, local residents remain skeptical. They accuse both the regulators and the company of ignoring the reality of the air quality.
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