Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has directed authorities to continue monitoring environmental conditions in Byrnihat and take all necessary measures to curb pollution, including controlling road dust and industrial emissions. The division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh also asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit an affidavit detailing steps taken to address pollution on the Assam side of Byrnihat. The matter will be heard again on November 10.
The court reviewed a status report submitted by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which stated that the 61.80-km stretch of NH-06 from Jorabat to Barapani was handed over to the agency on August 7. Maintenance work, including carriageway cleaning, drain clearance, median plantation, tree plantation drives in Byrnihat and environmental awareness programmes in schools, is currently underway.
According to an affidavit filed by the Chief Engineer of the PWD (Roads), the 3.6-km road connecting NH-06 to the Export Promotion Industrial Park junction is mostly in fair condition, while repair work is being carried out on damaged portions. The Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation informed the court that improvement work on an internal industrial road has begun after awarding a contract worth Rs 39.52 lakh, with completion expected within six months.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi reported that several measures were initiated following an inspection conducted on September 28. These include installing mesh nets on a bridge to prevent waste dumping, systematic disposal of market waste at the Umshangling landfill, action against indiscriminate dumping along the Umtrew River and awareness campaigns among residents and shopkeepers.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board informed the court about inspections of industries, water quality testing and other anti-pollution initiatives. A Joint Action Committee for the Byrnihat industrial area has been formed, while land has been allotted for a regional office in Byrnihat. A temporary office has already been set up at the existing air quality monitoring station, a step appreciated by the court.
The board has also proposed additional water quality monitoring stations on the Umtrew River under the National Water Monitoring Programme. The High Court further directed the Additional Advocate General to obtain updates on the proposed Environmental Bank Guarantee Guidelines, which are awaiting approval from the state government.
