Guwahati: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has been directed to conduct a comprehensive audit and inspection of all industrial units in Byrnihat on the inter-state border with Assam.

The board has been asked to submit a report within a week's time.

Byrnihat was recently named the world's most polluted city by a Swiss air quality technology company. To address the issue, the Assam Pollution Control Board has already initiated action against 39 industrial units, while Meghalaya will take stringent measures to monitor and review pollution in 41 industrial units on its side.

According to Forest & Environment Commissioner Secretary Pravin Bakshi, the audit and inspection will be carried out as per the directive of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Notably, there are 20 "red category" industries in Byrnihat, Assam, compared to only five in Byrnihat, Meghalaya.

Chief Minister Sangma had earlier made a comprehensive statement in the Budget Session of the Assembly, urging coordinated action between Assam and Meghalaya to address the pollution issue. He also sent a letter to the Chief Minister of Assam, seeking collaborative action to tackle the problem.