Nestled on the serene Assam-Meghalaya border, Byrnihat, once known for its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, has now earned the unfortunate title of the “world’s most polluted city.” This alarming status was revealed in the 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, a Swiss organization that monitors global air quality. The report highlighted that the town’s average PM2.5 concentration reached a staggering 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), far exceeding the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5µg/m3.
Byrnihat’s transformation from a scenic haven to an industrial hub has been gradual but profound. Located just 20 km from Guwahati and 65 km from Shillong, the town is strategically positioned near coal reserves in Meghalaya and benefits from the Umtru river’s water supply. This made it an attractive site for industries involved in coke production, cement manufacturing, ferro alloys, steel production, distillation, and brickmaking. However, this industrial boom has come at a heavy cost to the environment and public health.
The Meghalaya State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, released in December 2024, recorded 39 industrial units in Assam and 41 in Meghalaya operating in Byrnihat. Among them, 20 in Assam and five in Meghalaya fall under the “red category” — classified as heavily polluting industries by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. These include cement, iron and steel, and coke production units. Another 15 units in Assam and 22 in Meghalaya are categorized as “orange,” which includes brick manufacturing and cement grinding.
Despite regulations and guidelines, many of these industries have been found violating pollution control norms. Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad Sangma recently revealed that surprise inspections led to closure notices for seven units and environmental compensation fines for two others. The infractions included excessive emissions due to malfunctioning or inactive pollution control devices and failure to transmit online emission data. In Assam, the Pollution Control Board also issued notices to several industries for failing to operate their pollutant-trapping devices, often to cut costs.
Vehicular emissions further compound the problem. Heavy diesel vehicles transporting raw materials frequently idle in traffic, releasing harmful pollutants. Many of these vehicles do not adhere to emission norms, adding to the already toxic air. Additionally, unpaved roads in the area contribute to road dust, worsening the air quality.
Byrnihat’s unique topography exacerbates the situation. The town sits in a low-lying basin surrounded by hills, which restricts air movement and traps pollutants. This “valley-and-basin effect” leads to stagnant air and high pollutant concentration, according to Dr. Rajesh Bajpai from North-Eastern Hill University.
Local communities are bearing the brunt of this environmental crisis. Residents report increased respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health problems linked to prolonged exposure to polluted air. The natural beauty and biodiversity of the region are also under threat as pollution seeps into the soil and water bodies.
Authorities are under mounting pressure to enforce stricter regulations and promote sustainable industrial practices. Environmental activists and researchers emphasize the need for cleaner technology, better waste management, and stricter vehicular emission standards. Moreover, afforestation efforts and the development of green spaces could help mitigate some of the damage.
Byrnihat’s struggle reflects the broader challenge of balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability. As the community grapples with the consequences of rapid industrialization, the hope remains that stricter policies and collective efforts will help restore the region’s natural beauty and ensure a healthier future for its residents.
