Students Complete First Phase of Ri-Bhoi Air Pollution Study

Shillong: Students finished the first phase of an air quality study in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. The project targets the industrial hubs of Nongpoh and Byrnihat. Participants came from St Mary’s College, Ri-Bhoi College, and the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya. They logged early mornings and long hours in the field to collect data.

This work falls under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health and the One Health Programme. These groups claim the research will help link local pollution to public health outcomes. The programs noted that the students showed grit while working in difficult conditions.

Byrnihat remains a major worry. The industrial town sits on the border of Meghalaya and Assam. Residents frequently complain about the air quality and its toll on daily life. Environmental groups have staged protests to demand action. The officials stated, “The students’ involvement would contribute to efforts to examine the relationship between air pollution and health in the region.” Researchers expect these initial findings to guide future health assessments for the area.