Shillong: Air quality in Byrnihat improved significantly during a two-day trial of solar-powered purifiers. The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board reported a 40 to 45 percent reduction in toxic air. The state government tested the WARO C6 system at two separate locations. Mumbai-based Zero Carbon Tech24 Pvt. Ltd. built the machines. Each unit pulls in dirty air and releases 30 litres of clean air every second.
Officials remain cautious about the results. "Initial reports indicate it has been helpful in reducing pollution by 40-45 percent, but we are yet to receive the full report as it is only on a trial basis," Sohtun said. A decision on a wider rollout depends on that final assessment.
Byrnihat ranked as one of India's most polluted towns in 2024. The state has already shuttered several non-compliant industrial units. Minister Sohtun stated that the pollution is a cross-border issue affecting both Meghalaya and Assam. He called for strict enforcement from state and central boards.
The High Court of Meghalaya continues to monitor the situation through a suo motu petition. Senior Counsel Dr. Mozika told the court that draft guidelines for environmental bank guarantees are near completion. Regional Director Dr. Shantanu Kumar Dutta submitted an affidavit for the Central Pollution Control Board. The state Health and PWD departments must submit replies by August 12. The court also ordered the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority in Nongpoh to attend the next hearing on August 13. These legal actions stem from a report by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, which identified major emission hotspots.
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