SHILLONG, Oct 15: The Meghalaya High Court has directed authorities to continue monitoring the environmental situation in Byrnihat and ensure steps are taken to reduce pollution at every level, including road dust and factory emissions.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh also directed the Central Pollution Control Board to file an affidavit detailing measures taken to address pollution in the Byrnihat area on the Assam side. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 10.
The court took on record a status report from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. The NH-06 stretch from Jorabat to Barapani, measuring about 61.80 km, was handed over to NHIDCL on August 7. Maintenance is being carried out by the concessionaire under the supervision of an independent engineer. Cleaning of the carriageway and roadside drains, median plantation, a tree plantation drive in Byrnihat and environmental awareness programmes in schools have been undertaken. Counsel for NHIDCL assured the court that the independent engineer would ensure contractual compliance.
An affidavit from the Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads), stated that the 3.6 km road from NH-06 to the Export Promotion Industrial Park junction is largely in fair condition. Repair work has been taken up on three damaged stretches. The Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation reported that a tender for improving an internal industrial road had been awarded for Rs 39.52 lakh and work had commenced, with a six-month completion period.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi reported instructions issued after a September 28 inspection. These include installation of mesh nets along a bridge to prevent dumping, collection of market waste for disposal at the Umshangling landfill, measures to stop indiscriminate dumping along the Umtrew river, and awareness programmes for residents and shopkeepers.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board submitted a report detailing inspections of industries, water sampling and other steps to curb industrial pollution. A joint action committee for the Byrnihat industrial area has been constituted. Land has been allotted for a proposed regional office at Byrnihat. Pending permanent infrastructure, a temporary regional office has been set up at the existing air quality monitoring station. The court appreciated these efforts.
The board has also proposed additional water quality monitoring stations on the Umtrew river under the National Water Monitoring Programme. The court directed the Additional Advocate General to obtain instructions on the status of proposed Environmental Bank Guarantee Guidelines pending with the State government.
All reports were served on amicus curiae Philemon Nongbri, who sought time to examine them.