Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Monday said the Health Department has not received any formal complaint regarding the proposed ethanol factory in Byrnihat and, therefore, has not initiated any survey or health assessment.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said the issue had only recently come to the department’s notice through social media and stressed that any official inquiry would require either a written complaint or concrete evidence indicating that the project poses a health risk.
He said no individual or organisation has so far approached the department with a formal complaint.
Referring to the broader issue of pollution in Byrnihat, Shylla noted that the area shares a border with Assam, making it difficult to determine the exact source of pollution, as many industries are located on the Assam side.
However, he acknowledged that pollution does not recognise state boundaries and affects residents on both sides of the border.
The minister said the issue has already been taken up at the highest level, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma assuring that the matter would be discussed with his counterpart in Assam to explore measures to reduce pollution in the industrial belt.
He also pointed out that the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board was recently recognised for its efforts in reducing pollution in Byrnihat, which, she said, reflects the government’s seriousness in addressing environmental concerns.
On the proposed ethanol factory, Shylla said he was not in a position to comment on the specific project as she did not have complete information, including whether the proposed unit falls within Meghalaya or Assam.
He maintained that until the relevant facts are available, it would be inappropriate to make any definitive statement on the matter.
