AQI report: Conrad defends Byrnihat ‘Meghalaya’
CM says media report was based on Assam data; stresses the need for 2 states working in tandem to fight air pollution
Shillong, Mar 5: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Wednesday that a media report on the “very poor” air quality at Byrnihat was based on the data collected from Assam.
During the business hour of the Budget Session 2025, Sangma said the India Today report was based on the data collected from the Central Academy for State Forest Service air quality monitoring station in Byrnihat Assam.
“The Byrnihat Assam area has several red category industries. The Central Pollution Control Board has identified Byrnihat Assam as a critically polluted area. As per the direction of the NGT (National Green Tribunal), Assam and its Pollution Control Board have prepared an action plan and adequate measures are being taken to control pollution,” Sangma pointed out.
He further said the data generated by four monitoring points of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board in January 2025 showed that the AQI of Byrnihat Meghalaya “was satisfactory” and “moderate” only in the export promotion hub.
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Traffic congestion, vehicular pollution affect air quality
The readings are:
(i) EPIP, Byrnihat: 124 (Moderate)
(ii)15th Mile, Byrnihat: 88 (Satisfactory)
(iii) 17th Mile, Byrnihat: 75 (Satisfactory)
(iv) Khasi Killing: 72 (Satisfactory)
While defending Meghalaya’s case, Sangma said there was a need to take stern action against industries within the state which are violating the rules and contributing to air pollution.
“I am sending a strong and firm message to all industrial units… the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board will conduct surprise checks… and take action,” Sangma said in his reply to a call attention moved by NPP MLA from Jirang Sosthenes Sohtun.
Noise pollution, foul smell
Earlier, Sohtun said the locals in Byrnihat were not just troubled by poor AQI. Noise pollution and foul smell emanating from the industrial area were adding to their woes.
“The CMJ Breweries was shut down. But people still complain about bad smell… which can be of whiskey, beer, local rice beer,” he said.
Working in tandem
Sangma said he would write to his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on the need for the two states to address the issue of air pollution.
“The two states and two pollution control boards must work together, and we have taken steps towards that,” he added.
However, he reiterated the need to take action against Meghalaya industries flouting rules before approaching the neighbouring country.
