SHILLONG : Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has said the Health Department has not received any formal complaint regarding the proposed ethanol factory in Byrnihat, stating that the department became aware of the issue only through social media.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said the department cannot initiate a health survey or investigation unless a written complaint or evidence of health impacts is submitted. He added that he does not have complete details about the factory or whether it falls under Meghalaya or Assam, as the matter does not come directly under the Health Department. Referring to the broader issue of industrial pollution in Byrnihat, the minister acknowledged that pollution has remained a long-standing concern affecting public health. However, he said the town’s location along the Meghalaya-Assam border has made it difficult to determine how much pollution originates from industries on either side.
Shylla said pollution does not knows no boundaries and stressed the need for both Meghalaya and Assam to work together to address the issue. He noted that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has already assured that the two states would hold discussions to find a lasting solution to reduce pollution levels in the industrial area.
Highlighting the government’s efforts, the minister said the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) recently received recognition for its work in reducing pollution in the Byrnihat industrial belt.