Shillong, April 26: Chairman of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) Manjunatha C has said vehicular and dust pollution coupled with traffic congestion have added to the air pollution in the city.
He was speaking at the capacity building workshop on National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) organised by the Board in the city on Wednesday.
The official called for the use of electronic vehicles, initiating decongestion measures by way of public transport, paved shoulders of road as solution to reduce pollution both from the vehicular traffic and dust.
According to Manjunatha, the air quality in the city is good except Barik which is satisfactory.
The government had set up 11 air quality monitoring stations, including four in the city which are at MSPCB complex at Lumpyngngad, Barik, Polo and Upper Shillong .
He also informed that the citizens can monitor the air quality with the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring mobile app.
‘Byrnihat a non-attainment city’
Though the Shillong is relatively free from air pollution, the industrial area of Byrnihat is a cause for concern.
MK Choudhury, Regional Director, Central Pollution Control Board said that after an assessment, Byrnihat figures as non- attainment city in terms of air quality.
He said in the country, 131places were categorised as non-attainment cities.
Assam has five such cities, Nagaland 2( Dimapur and Kohima) besides Meghalaya having only one (Byrnihat).
Commissioner and Secretary, Forest and Environment Syed Md A Razi narrated about Delhi air quality which had a negative impact on his health as he compared the national capital with Shillong which helped him to regain his health.
Naba Bhattacharjee, Chairman, State Expert Appraisal Committee dealing with environment matters, said distortion in air quality takes place not only in Shillong but rural areas too.”The reason is unchecked construction activities besides the mining activities”, he said.
Bhattacharjee pointed out that the state recently witnessed high temperature which is a wake up call.
“This is not happening this year but over the last 10 to 15 years, he said.
Bhattacharjee added that dust particles in individual homes are adding to the pollution and it is affecting the city which calls for immediate action.
Chief Conservator of Forests WS Manner said that as there is congestion in the city, the government should identify a vacant plot of land to plant trees as this will add to the initiative of green cover while reminding that as per the 2021 census, Meghalaya has 76 per cent forest cover.
Member Secretary MSPCB Nainamalai and Chief Scientist MSPCB B Nongbri also spoke on the occasion.
