GUWAHATI: The maximum AQI in Assam's Byrnihat touched 386, as of 2 PM on March 19, entering the 'Very Poor' category.
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The primary pollutant has been reported to be PM2.5 concentrate, with the maximum AQI showing 500 on the National Air Quality Index of the Central Pollution Control Board.
This comes a few days after Byrnihat was named as the world's most polluted place by IQAir.
Byrnihat has consistently experienced poor air quality due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), largely caused by industrial emissions. The region is home to many factories, including iron and steel plants, distilleries, cement factories, and beverage production units, which have been identified as major contributors to pollution.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government has instructed the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board to conduct a comprehensive audit and inspection of all industrial units in the Meghalaya side of Byrnihat. The board has been directed to submit a report within seven days. The chief minister had earlier addressed the issue during the Budget Session of the Assembly, highlighting the concerns raised by global and national reports and calling for coordinated efforts between Assam and Meghalaya to tackle the crisis.
