Byrnihat, a town in Meghalaya, has gained notoriety for its alarming air quality. Recently, it was declared the most polluted city in India, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 micrograms per cubic metre. This level far exceeds the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5 µg/m³. The town, known for its natural beauty, is now grappling with severe pollution issues caused by industrial activities and vehicular emissions.
Geographical Context
Byrnihat is situated approximately 20 km from Guwahati and 65 km from Shillong. It lies in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, where the hills transition into the plains of Assam. This strategic location has spurred industrial growth, making it a regional industrial hub.
Industrial Development
The industrial landscape of Byrnihat includes various sectors such as coke production, cement manufacturing, ferro alloys, and brickmaking. The proximity to coal reserves and the availability of water from the Umtru river have facilitated this industrial expansion. The Byrnihat Export Promotion Industrial Park houses many of these units, contributing to local air pollution.
Pollution Sources
The pollution in Byrnihat primarily stems from industrial emissions. The Meghalaya state Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution identifies 39 industrial units in Assam and 41 in Meghalaya surrounding Byrnihat. Among these, many belong to the “red category,” indicating they are heavily polluting. Non-compliance with environmental regulations is rampant, with several units failing to operate pollution control devices effectively.
Government Response
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Meghalaya Chief Minister announced measures to address non-compliance. Surprise inspections revealed severe violations, resulting in closure notices for seven industrial units. The Assam Pollution Control Board has also taken action against industries not adhering to pollution control norms.
Vehicular Emissions
In addition to industrial pollution, vehicular emissions play role in Byrnihat’s air quality crisis. The town serves as a transit point for heavy diesel vehicles, many of which do not meet emission standards. Congestion and idling vehicles contribute to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10, as well as sulphur dioxide.
Topographical Influences
The unique topography of Byrnihat exacerbates its pollution problem. The area is characterised by a “bowl-like” shape, surrounded by hills that restrict air movement. This geographic feature leads to a valley-and-basin effect, reducing wind speed and trapping pollutants in the air.
Future Implications
The ongoing air quality crisis poses health risks to the residents of Byrnihat. Continuous exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The need for effective pollution control measures is urgent to safeguard public health and the environment.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of industrialisation on air quality in urban areas.
- What are the health implications of prolonged exposure to PM2.5? Estimate the potential long-term effects on public health.
- Point out the measures that can be taken to improve air quality in industrial towns like Byrnihat.
- With suitable examples, explain the relationship between topography and air pollution levels in urban regions.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of industrialisation on air quality in urban areas.
- Industrialisation often leads to increased emissions of pollutants, including PM2.5 and PM10, from factories.
- Heavy industries, especially those categorized as “red” by environmental authorities, contribute to air pollution.
- Urban areas experience higher population density, which exacerbates the effects of industrial emissions on air quality.
- Non-compliance with environmental regulations by industries can lead to severe air quality degradation.
- Economic growth driven by industrialisation may prioritize development over environmental protection, worsening air quality.
2. What are the health implications of prolonged exposure to PM2.5? Estimate the potential long-term effects on public health.
- Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 is linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- It increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
- Long-term exposure can lead to reduced lung function and increased mortality rates.
- Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are particularly at risk for severe health outcomes.
- Studies indicate a correlation between high PM2.5 levels and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
3. Point out the measures that can be taken to improve air quality in industrial towns like Byrnihat.
- Implement stricter enforcement of environmental regulations for industrial emissions and pollution control devices.
- Encourage the use of cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources in industrial processes.
- Promote public transportation and reduce reliance on heavy diesel vehicles to decrease vehicular emissions.
- Increase green spaces and vegetation in urban areas to improve air quality through natural filtration.
- Conduct regular air quality monitoring and public awareness campaigns to educate residents on pollution sources and health effects.
4. With suitable examples, explain the relationship between topography and air pollution levels in urban regions.
- Topographical features such as hills can create “bowl-like” effects, trapping pollutants in valleys, as seen in Byrnihat.
- Urban areas in low-lying regions may experience higher pollution levels due to limited air circulation and dispersion.
- Examples include Los Angeles, where surrounding mountains trap smog, leading to persistent air quality issues.
- Conversely, elevated areas may experience better air quality due to wind patterns that disperse pollutants.
- About the topography can inform urban planning and pollution control strategies to mitigate health impacts.
