Astounding Air Quality Divide: Shillong Thrives as Byrnihat Struggles with Pollution Crisis
A stark contrast in air quality between two cities in Meghalaya underscores the environmental challenges confronting the northeastern state. While Shillong is celebrated for its clean air, ranking among India’s least polluted urban areas, Byrnihat, only 75 kilometers away, faces severe pollution issues.
Recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals Byrnihat’s air quality index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous level of 276, primarily due to rapid industrialization in its commercial zone. In contrast, Shillong continues to enjoy significantly better air quality, highlighting the varied environmental governance within the region.
Byrnihat’s pollution crisis was punctuated last month when authorities, led by Forest & Environment Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar, shut down six industrial units. These facilities were operating with PM2.5 emissions nearly double the legal limits and without essential pollution monitoring systems. Despite repeated directives from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, these units neglected to manage emissions of critical pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, Sulphur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide.
The situation presents a dual challenge for Meghalaya’s environmental leaders: sustaining Shillong’s clean air status while combating the industrial pollution plaguing Byrnihat. This dichotomy reflects broader issues across India, where major urban centers continue to grapple with deteriorating air quality. For instance, Delhi recently reported an AQI of 268, with neighboring cities Gurugram and Ghaziabad also recording poor air quality, posing significant health risks.
Meghalaya’s experience serves as a microcosm of the environmental quagmire affecting many parts of India, demanding urgent and comprehensive action by authorities to balance development with ecological preservation. The state’s endeavors could serve as a vital blueprint for addressing similar challenges nationwide.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/air-quality-contrast-in-meghalaya-shillong-shines-while-byrnihat-suffers-due-to-pollution-1113855-2024-10-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-10-31 10:56:00
