Shillong, August 5: Cabinet Minister Sosthenes Sohtun on Wednesday said available data does not support claims that Byrnihat is the most polluted place in the world, even as he acknowledged continuing pollution concerns in the border industrial area. “As per the present data, it is not like that. Byrnihat is an industrial area, so there will be pollution,” Sohtun told reporters.
He said the state government, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board and other officials were working to ensure that factories comply with prescribed environmental norms. Strict action would be taken against industrial units found violating the rules, he added.
Sohtun also pointed to the cross-border nature of the problem, saying several industries located on the Assam side were contributing to pollution in the area. “The government and the MSPCB have tried to coordinate with the Assam Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board on how to reduce the emission of pollutants,” he said. He added that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had also sought better coordination with Assam, stressing that cooperation between the two state governments was essential in border areas.
The minister said new machines claiming to absorb between 40 and 50 per cent of pollution were currently being tested. “It is still a trial and there will be further studies. If they are satisfactory, I will request the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs for a pilot project,” he said.
On concerns over the possible health impact of pollution, Sohtun said the government had asked the Health Department to conduct a study. “Technically, I cannot say that people are getting TB, cancer or any disease because of pollution. After the study report is done, then I will be able to explain what the situation is,” he said.
