SHILLONG, SEPT 22: The air purifiers installed in Byrnihat are only a trial and a larger pilot project will be considered if the experiment succeeds, Cabinet Minister and Jirang legislator Sosthenes Sohtun said on Tuesday.
He was responding to queries on air pollution in Byrnihat, which has been flagged as one of the most polluted towns.
“The air purifiers where we have installed, it is just trial only and then if that succeeds, then only we can go for a pilot project,” Sohtun said.
“If 2-3 air purifiers are installed and if that succeeds and if we go for bigger numbers, that definitely will reduce air pollution in Byrnihat,” he said, adding he has asked the Chief Minister to go ahead with the pilot if trial results are positive.
On enforcement, Sohtun said a Joint Action Committee has been put in place with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), village headmen and other departments to enable direct complaints against violating industries.
“That main JAC allows people from local, village headmen or others to lodge direct complaints if any of the industries violate rules laid by MSPCB,” he said.
He said action is visible on the ground and not just on paper.
“We have seen many industrial units, once they get complaints and MSPCB found that they have violated, they have been closed,” he said.
On total complaints received so far, Sohtun said he does not head the committee and details would have to be obtained from the Board.”I am not heading the JAC, it is entirely with MSPCB,” he said.
He also clarified that the JAC functions within Meghalaya’s jurisdiction.
“From Meghalaya side because the JAC is formed within the jurisdiction of our state, so I cannot say about Assam, whatever committee they have formed,” he added.
