GUWAHATI: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday, March 5, emphasised the need for coordinated efforts with Assam to tackle air pollution affecting both states. He stated that he would write to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging collaboration between the two states and their respective pollution control boards.
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“These are very complicated problems, but it is only through dialogue that we will find solutions,” Sangma said.
The chief minister’s remarks came in response to a call attention motion by NPP MLA Sosthenes Sohtun in the Meghalaya assembly session, highlighting a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report that classified air quality in Byrnihat as persistently “very poor.” Sangma, in response, assured that surprise inspections would continue, and strict measures would be enforced against industries found violating pollution norms.
Before seeking cooperation from Assam, Sangma stressed the importance of taking stern action first against industries within Meghalaya in particular. He revealed that as many as seven industrial units have already been shut down for failing to comply with environmental regulations.
“I am sending a strong and firm message to all industrial units that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) is going to conduct surprise checks,” Sangma said. “I have given a standing order to the MSPCB to conduct these checks and take action.”
Sangma stated that while addressing environmental issues, the state government is also committed to resolving the long-standing border dispute with Assam. Meghalaya and Assam share an 884.9-km-long inter-state border, with disputes over 12 areas. In March 2022, both states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, resolving six of these disputes.
The Meghalaya government has reiterated its commitment to finding lasting solutions to the remaining six areas under contention.