Byrnihat India’s Most Polluted City 2nd Time in a Row; Health Concerns Mount

Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, has earned the unfortunate distinction of being named India’s most polluted city for the second consecutive year. The declaration comes amid rising concerns from residents over the hazardous air quality and its impact on public health.

The town’s Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently falls in the “very poor” category, with high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) posing significant health risks. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels can lead to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and other serious health issues.

The primary contributors to Byrnihat’s deteriorating air quality are emissions from 41 industrial units in the region. These include iron and steel plants, cement factories, distilleries, and beverage production units. Many of these factories are accused of operating without adequate pollution control measures, exacerbating the environmental crisis.

Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of stringent regulatory actions to address the issue. “We are living in a gas chamber. Children and elderly people are the worst affected. Despite repeated pleas, the authorities have turned a blind eye to our plight,” said Anupam Das, a local resident.

Environmental activists have also raised concerns about the lack of monitoring and enforcement by pollution control boards. “There is an urgent need for comprehensive action. Industrial emissions must be regulated, and real-time air quality monitoring stations should be installed,” said environmentalist Meghna Basumatary.

In response to growing public pressure, local authorities have announced plans to conduct inspections and enforce pollution control norms more strictly. However, many residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures.

Why Is Byrnihat So Polluted?

Byrnihat’s rise to infamy as India’s most polluted city stems from a combination of factors. The region has witnessed rapid industrialization over the years, with numerous factories and industries operating in and around the town. These industrial operations often lack stringent pollution control measures, leading to uncontrolled emissions of pollutants, including PM2.5. According to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, high concentrations of Particulate Matter levels may be attributed to the build-up of pollutants owing to emissions from industries located in the industrial area. The pollution is also associated with emissions from vehicles, dust generated due to the movement of vehicles, natural dust, and constructional activities, it further states.

Father Francis from Byrnihat Catholic Church had earlier told CFC India, “We, the residents, have been grappling with polluted air for several years now. Byrnihat, being an industrial town, is heavily affected by the negligence of industries operating here. Many of these industries fail to follow proper environmental guidelines, releasing unfiltered smoke directly from their stacks. To make matters worse, officials from the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board often notify the industries in advance of inspections, giving them time to prepare and appear compliant. Apart from this, land mining is another issue in the region. Traditionally cultivated paddy fields are ruined because the dust from land mining is being discharged in the fields. This is a serious problem of both land and air pollution which Byrnihat is facing.” Read more here. 

As Byrnihat continues to grapple with its pollution crisis, the call for immediate and effective intervention grows louder. Without decisive action, the town risks further environmental degradation and long-term health consequences for its residents.

References:

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/byrnihat-is-indias-most-polluted-city-for-second-consecutive-year-residents-demand-urgent-action-2670416-2025-01-26

Byrnihat: India’s Most Polluted City and the Alarming Rise of Air Pollution in Northeast India

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