High Court directs the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to submit a detailed affidavit on action against polluting industries, while seeking reports on river pollution, road infrastructure and public health measures in Byrnihat
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to file a comprehensive action taken report on industries polluting Byrnihat, including those contaminating the Umtrew River, while seeking updates on pollution in several rivers of East Jaintia Hills.
Hearing a public interest litigation, a division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh said the Board’s earlier affidavit lacked details on action against polluting industries. It directed the MSPCB to submit a fresh affidavit addressing recommendations made by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The court also sought reports on pollution in rivers across East Jaintia Hills, measures to curb vehicular emissions, and progress on road construction in Byrnihat. It directed the Central Pollution Control Board to coordinate with the Assam Pollution Control Board and submit its response.
The bench also took note of a Rs 12 lakh health study on air pollution in Byrnihat and asked the state to examine posting a radiologist at the local PHC. The matter will next be heard on August 10.
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