SHILLONG : The Meghalaya High Court has asked the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) to place a detailed report before it explaining what action has actually been taken against industries accused of causing pollution in Byrnihat, including units linked to contamination of the Umtrew River.
While hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 13 of 2026), a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh observed that the affidavit submitted by the Pollution Control Board did not adequately explain the action taken against polluting industries operating in the area.
The court directed the Board to file a fresh and comprehensive affidavit addressing every major recommendation made by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). It also sought details on the measures taken following the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Delhi Pollution Control Committee versus Lodhi Property Co. Ltd. case.
Apart from Byrnihat, the High Court also turned its attention to river pollution in East Jaintia Hills. It asked the Pollution Control Board to submit reports on the condition of rivers Waikhyrwi, Thwai Kungor, Rawaka, Kmai-um, Ummynkseh, Umkyrpong and the Metyngka stream.
The Bench noted that water quality studies had already been carried out by several institutions, including the Meghalaya Institute of Natural Resources, and wanted to know what action followed those findings.
The State Government has also been directed to explain what steps the Public Works Department and the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) are planning to improve road infrastructure inside the Byrnihat industrial area in line with NEERI’s recommendations.
On the health front, the court recorded an affidavit from the Health Department stating that a ₹12 lakh research project titled “Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory Symptoms in Meghalaya” has been sanctioned.
The study will begin in Byrnihat before expanding to other areas, with the government expected to submit a preliminary report as early as possible. The Bench also noted that although Byrnihat has a Primary Health Centre treating many patients with respiratory illnesses, there is no radiologist posted there.
At present, X-ray images have to be sent to Nongpoh Civil Hospital for interpretation. In view of the growing number of respiratory cases, the court requested the Health Department to examine whether a radiologist could be posted at the PHC at least three days every week and submit its response at the next hearing.
The Transport Department has also been asked to explain what measures are being taken to reduce pollution caused by heavy vehicular movement, particularly trucks operating in and around Byrnihat, an issue highlighted in the NEERI report.
Recognising that pollution extends across the Meghalaya-Assam border, the High Court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit its own affidavit detailing coordination with the Assam Pollution Control Board. A senior CPCB officer has been instructed to appear through video conferencing during the next hearing.
To assist the proceedings, the Bench appointed advocate Philemon Nongbri as Amicus Curiae, assisted by advocates R. Pahsyntiew and D.S. Pajat.
The court also requested Nongbri and the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Ri-Bhoi, to visit Byrnihat, including the Primary Health Centre, and submit an independent report before the matter comes up again.
The case will next be heard on August 10, when the court is expected to review the affidavits and progress reports submitted by the concerned departments and agencies.
