March 6, 2025: The Meghalaya state government has taken a strong stance against environmental pollution by shutting down seven industrial units in Byrnihat for flouting environmental norms.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) will conduct surprise inspections and take stern actions against defaulters.

Sangma stated that the government will take firm action against anyone found violating rules and not following environmental norms.

He also highlighted the importance of community initiatives in mitigating pollution, offering government support to communities that desire to minimize pollution.

The MSPCB's surprise inspections revealed violations of pollution norms, including heavy emissions from chimneys and ineffective pollution control devices. The Chief Minister noted that while industries contribute to air pollution, local activities also play a role, and community efforts can help address the issue.

The Central Pollution Control Board has identified Byrnihat, Assam as a critically polluted area, and the Assam Pollution Control Board has prepared an action plan to restore and improve environmental quality. However, data from MSPCB monitoring stations showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Byrnihat was satisfactory in three locations and moderate only at the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP).