Meghalaya boosts pollution fight; CM inaugurates CAAQMS in Byrnihat

Guwahati: Meghalaya has expanded air-quality monitoring in Byrnihat, recently identified as one of India’s most polluted towns.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) in Ri-Bhoi district, officials said.

Situated near the Assam–Meghalaya border, Byrnihat has frequently ranked among the country’s worst pollution hotspots in studies by IQAir and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

The newly installed CAAQMS will provide real-time data on major pollutants, enabling quicker interventions and evidence-based policy decisions.

Earlier in Shillong, Sangma, who also oversees the Forests and Environment Department, chaired a review meeting of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to evaluate its functioning and improve operations.

He noted that a follow-up meeting in January will determine measures to strengthen and broaden the board’s mandate.

Officials said Sangma inaugurated a zero liquid discharge effluent treatment plant and a 47 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic system at the MSPCB office, followed by an inspection of the board’s laboratories.