MSPCB to set up equipment for monitoring air quality in Byrnihat: CM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 19, 2024

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said the report and data & information in regards to the air quality at Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi has been showing ‘moderate’ and never dips to ‘poor’ or ‘severe’.

“Inspite of our reports showing our air quality on average is moderate, we are not taking this (issue) lightly,” Sangma said while replying to a call attention moved by Jirang legislator Sosthenes Sohtun for setting up of an MSPCB office in Byrnihat, in the Assembly here.

He said Byrnihat is located right at the border with Assam and there are industrial units on both sides.

Sangma informed that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has set up equipment, which will give live data on air quality on a daily basis. “Therefore, even if we don’t set up the MSPCB branch office, the technology will be there (to monitor the air quality),” he said. He said, “We can examine that (the proposal) but as I said with technology available, we could conduct the exercise though the office is not present physically, can collect reports and also take action.”

He said the board will also use technology to monitor the quality of water.

The chief minister also stated that the state government is in touch with Assam to jointly address the concern.

“A joint action plan or meeting with the pollution control board of Assam is a positive suggestion,” he added.

According to him, addressing the issue is a continuous process.