SHILLONG, AUG 5: Cabinet Minister Sosthenes Sohtun on Wednesday said there is no data to label Byrnihat as the world’s most polluted town, but stressed that pollution in the industrial belt cannot be ignored.  

“As per the present data, it is not like that. But Byrnihat is an industrial area, so there will be pollution,” Sohtun said.  

He added that the government and MSPCB are pushing factories to comply with norms, and warned that violators will face strict action.  

Pointing to the border location, Sohtun said units in Assam are also a factor and called for joint monitoring.

“We have tried to do coordination with the Assam Pollution Control Board and CPCB to reduce emissions. The CM has also taken up the issue with Assam because border areas need cooperation from both states,” he said.  

The minister said MSPCB is testing air-purifying machines that, in initial reports, cut pollution by 40-50%.

“It is still a trial. If the results are good, I will ask the Deputy CM in-charge of Urban Affairs to take up a pilot project,” Sohtun said.  

On health concerns, he said a study has been sought.

“I cannot technically say people are getting TB or Cancer due to pollution. We have written to the Health department for a study report on these areas,” he added.