Shillong: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has issued closure notices to six ferroalloy factories in Byrnihat for failing to comply with environmental regulations and neglecting pollution control measures.
The factories, including Shillong ISPAT and Rolling Mill, Shyam Century Ferrous Limited, and others, were found to be violating environmental norms despite repeated warnings.
A joint inspection by the Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment, Sampath Kumar, and MSPCB officials revealed serious lapses in pollution control, including the absence of proper meters for pollution control devices and failure to control emissions of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
The inspection also recorded alarming levels of PM 2.5, exceeding the unhealthy air quality threshold.
Byrnihat, already categorized as India’s most polluted town, has been struggling with hazardous air quality, with a monthly average PM 2.5 concentration of 183µg/m3.
The MSPCB’s action aims to address the severe environmental concerns and protect public health.
The factories will remain closed until they comply with environmental regulations and implement effective pollution control measures.