Shillong’s clean air vs. Byrnihat’s pollution crisis

A sharp contrast in air quality between Shillong and Byrnihat has underscored environmental challenges for Meghalaya. While Shillong enjoys one of India’s cleanest atmospheres, just 75 kilometers away, Byrnihat battles pollution levels that rank it among the nation’s most affected areas. Recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) places Byrnihat’s AQI at a hazardous 276, in stark contrast to Shillong’s fresh air. This divide illustrates the toll of Byrnihat’s rapid industrial growth.

The pollution crisis escalated last month, prompting authorities to close six industrial units after inspections led by Forest & Environment Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar. The facilities had PM2.5 concentrations nearly double the permissible limit and lacked required pollution control technology. Despite repeated warnings from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, these units failed to monitor critical pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, Sulphur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide.

Shillong, by comparison, joins Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu and Nalbari in Assam as India’s cities with the cleanest air, creating a paradox for state regulators: sustaining Shillong’s air quality while tackling Byrnihat’s industrial pollution.