Shillong, July 27: The Meghalaya High Court has found several shortcomings in an affidavit filed by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) concerning industrial pollution in Byrnihat and directed the Board to submit a comprehensive report detailing the action taken against polluting industries.
Hearing PIL No. 13 of 2026, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh observed that the affidavit did not contain data on action taken against industries causing pollution in Byrnihat, including those allegedly polluting the Umtrew River.
The MSPCB was directed to file a detailed response explaining the action taken on each of the specific and general recommendations made by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). It must also report on measures taken concerning pollution in several rivers and streams in East Jaintia Hills, including the Waikhyrwi, Thwai Kungor, Rawaka, Kmai-um, Metyngka, Ummynkseh and Umkyrpong.
The Court also sought details from the Public Works Department and the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation regarding proposed road construction in industrial areas of Byrnihat, in accordance with the recommendations contained in the NEERI report.
Meanwhile, the Health Department informed the Court that a ₹12 lakh statewide research study titled “Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory Symptoms in Meghalaya” had been sanctioned. The study will be conducted in phases, beginning with Ri-Bhoi district, particularly Byrnihat.
The Court was also informed that Byrnihat Primary Health Centre receives a large number of patients suffering from acute respiratory illnesses. However, the PHC does not have a radiologist, and X-rays are sent to Nongpoh Civil Hospital for examination.
Taking note of the situation, the Court asked the Health Department to consider deputing a radiologist to Byrnihat PHC three times a week and submit a report during the next hearing.
The Transport Department has also been asked to explain the measures taken to control vehicular emissions, particularly those from trucks operating in the Byrnihat area.
The Central Pollution Control Board was directed to file an affidavit on its coordination with the Assam Pollution Control Board, since a portion of Byrnihat and several industries fall within Assam.
The Court appointed advocate Philemon Nongbri as amicus curiae, assisted by advocates R. Pahsyntiew and D.S. Pajat. Nongbri and the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Ri-Bhoi, have been asked to visit Byrnihat, including the PHC, and submit a report.
The matter will next be heard on August 10, 2026.
