Shillong : The Meghalaya Health Department will conduct a survey into the alleged health impacts of an ethanol factory in Byrnihat only after receiving formal complaints or concrete evidence that the unit is affecting public health, Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said the department has not received any written complaint regarding the factory and only became aware of the issue through social media.
“As of now we have not received any written complaint. We only came to know about this issue from social media. Until we have a written complaint or concrete evidence that it is affecting public health, only then will the Health Department commission a survey,” he said.
The minister reiterated that no affected individual or organisation has formally approached the department with complaints against the ethanol unit.
On the broader issue of pollution in Byrnihat, Shylla said the problem is not new and has been highlighted in national media in the past.
He noted that identifying the source of pollution remains a challenge because Byrnihat is located along the Meghalaya-Assam border.
“A majority of the factories are believed to be in Assam. That is why there is debate on how much pollution is coming from which side. But we also recognise that pollution knows no boundary. It will affect both states,” he said.
Shylla added that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has already taken up the matter with the Assam government to discuss measures to reduce pollution in the border town.
Highlighting the state’s efforts, the minister said the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) was recently recognised for its work in reducing pollution levels in Byrnihat.
“That itself shows the government is fully aware of the issue and is treating it seriously,” he said.
Responding to questions about the ethanol factory, Shylla said he did not have sufficient information to comment on the specific unit.
“I don’t have proper knowledge about the particular factory because I also came to know of it only a few days ago. Since it does not fall under my department, it would not be wise for me to comment on something I am not fully sure of,” he said.
He also pointed out that the exact location of the factory remains unclear, adding that it could be situated either in Meghalaya or Assam because Byrnihat is a border town.