Shillong, November 12: The Meghalaya High Court has dropped the notices issued against two officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), citing improvement in the actions taken by the Board against polluting industrial units in Byrnihat.
In an order dated November 10, 2026, passed in PIL No. 13/2026, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and another judge observed that there had been improvement in the steps taken by MSPCB officials to address the pollution-related issues affecting the people of Byrnihat.
The notices had been issued to Dr. George Hagi Chyrmang, Member Secretary, MSPCB, and Sandrew Syiem, Senior Environmental Engineer, MSPCB, who were earlier directed to remain present before the court and file their respective affidavits.
The court, having considered the affidavits filed by both officials and the improvement in the Board’s actions against polluting units, deemed it appropriate to drop the notices. Their personal appearance before the court was also dispensed with.
During the hearing, the court took on record a status report dated November 10 submitted on behalf of MSPCB, detailing inspections, monitoring and compliance measures undertaken against industrial units, besides steps taken to address pollution in the Umtrew River, including effluent, sewage, industrial discharge and major drains and streams.
The report also highlighted the constitution of a Joint Action Committee for the Byrnihat Industrial Area, allocation of land for the proposed Regional Office at Byrnihat and expansion of the water quality monitoring network in the Umtrew River.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) also submitted a report outlining measures taken to address pollution and dust along the 61.80-km national highway handed over to it on August 7, 2026. The measures included regular operation and maintenance of the road and installation of PF mesh nets along bridge barricades and adjoining areas to prevent waste dumping.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in its affidavit, informed the court about the action taken by it, stating that out of 42 industries, 17 fall under the red category. A task force has also been constituted to inspect the Byrnihat area on the Assam side.
Meanwhile, the Ri-Bhoi District Administration submitted a status report highlighting the construction of a Material Recovery Centre on MIDC land and distribution of electric vehicles by the Block Development Office, Umsning C&RD Block, to encourage eco-friendly transport and contribute towards reducing air pollution.
The Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) also filed a report on steps taken to improve the internal road connecting M/s Maithan Alloys towards M/s Shyam Century at EPIP, Byrnihat.
As most of the reports were served on the amicus curiae, Philemon Nongbri, on the day of the hearing, he sought time to examine the documents.
Accordingly, the matter has been adjourned to December 7, 2026.
