Assamese News & English Newspaper

Air Quality Crisis in Meghalaya and Assam: Byrnihat and Guwahati Face Severe Pollution

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Byrnihat in Meghalaya continues to lead as India’s most polluted city, with ‘very poor’ air quality, while Guwahati in Assam also grapples with alarming pollution levels, raising health concerns.

Guwahati: Byrnihat, a town located on the border of Meghalaya and Assam, is once again at the forefront of India’s air pollution crisis. For the second consecutive year, it has been named the most polluted city in the country, with air quality levels remaining dangerously high. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Byrnihat’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on January 28, 2025, was recorded as ‘very poor,’ making it the worst-affected area in the nation.The AQI reading for Byrnihat on January 26, 2025, was a concerning 341, far beyond the acceptable levels. The town, which serves as a vital industrial gateway to Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, is notorious for its pollution levels. The overwhelming industrial emissions in the region create a suffocating, smoke-filled atmosphere that affects not only the locals but also visitors traveling to Shillong for its scenic beauty.In neighboring Assam, Guwahati is also experiencing troubling air quality levels. On January 27, 2025, the AQI for the city was reported as ‘poor,’ with a value of 235. This reflects a significant deterioration in the city’s air quality, which is a growing concern for residents and authorities alike. Guwahati, a major urban center in Assam, has seen a rise in pollution, possibly exacerbated by industrial emissions from Byrnihat and other nearby regions.This persistent air pollution in both Byrnihat and Guwahati has sparked widespread health concerns. The hazardous air quality poses serious risks to the respiratory health of the population, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Furthermore, it has raised questions about the broader environmental impact, with fears that the pollution from Byrnihat is affecting other areas in Assam, particularly regions like Jorabat and Khanapara.Local authorities are under increasing pressure to take urgent action to address the air quality crisis. While Byrnihat plays a crucial role as an industrial hub, the rising pollution levels have cast a shadow over its economic benefits, affecting the health and well-being of its residents. Meanwhile, efforts to combat pollution in Guwahati are becoming more critical as the city faces similar challenges.The ongoing pollution issues in these regions are not unique. Odisha’s Talcher town has also recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, adding to the list of areas grappling with deteriorating environmental conditions.As pollution levels continue to rise, it is clear that both Meghalaya and Assam need comprehensive strategies to reduce industrial emissions, improve air quality, and safeguard public health in the long run.

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