Health minister says no formal complaint received about ethanol factory

Meghalaya's Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said in late June 2026 that his department will not investigate health concerns linked to an ethanol factory near Byrnihat unless residents submit a formal written complaint. The department learned about the issue through social media rather than through official channels.

The minister also admitted he could not confirm whether the factory sits inside Meghalaya or neighbouring Assam, as Byrnihat lies on the border between the two states. Pollution in the area has been a problem for many years because of industrial activity on both sides of that border.

The Chief Minister has promised to raise the matter with Assam's government. The Meghalaya Pollution Control Board recently received recognition for work it has done to reduce pollution levels in Byrnihat.