Shillong, Oct 6: Air pollution in Byrnihat along Meghalaya-Assam border has resulted not only from industries on Meghalaya side, but Assam side as well, Community & Rural Development (C&RD) Minister Sosthenes Sohtun said while underscoring the need for joint effort by the states to tackle the problem.
Speaking to reporters, the minister said he had been raising concern over pollution from industries in Byrnihat from time to time and that several factories have been closed down, testament to state government’s efforts to contain pollution in the area.
“We have joint borders between Assam and Meghalaya. So, we cannot say that the pollution is from Meghalaya only,” Sohtun said highlighting the complexity of the issue.
Emphasising on a joint survey, he said, “Until and unless a joint survey of Meghalaya and Assam and comes out with the aims and objective to reduce the pollution, it will be difficult (to address the issue) if we cannot jointly take up this issue seriously.”
The minister assured that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) is taking stern action against factories that emit excessive pollution.
Byrnihat has been grappling with severe air pollution, with the town recently being ranked as the world’s most polluted city by IQAir.
The state government has taken steps to address the issue, including shutting down industrial units that violate pollution norms and imposing environmental compensation on non-compliant industries.
Meanwhile, Sohtun has outlined his priorities as the Minister in-charge of C&RD department by emphasising the need for efficient administration to connect with people, particularly in rural areas.
He, however, said the decision as to who should be in the cabinet is the prerogative of the chief minister Conrad K Sangma.
