Meghalaya State Pollution Control Reaffirms Confidence in USTM’s Green Initiatives

 

   

Ri-Bhoi, June 5, 2026: Marking World Environment Day 2026, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) and the Forests & Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya, organised a plantation drive and an awareness programme on environmental sustainability at the USTM campus on Friday.

A significant highlight of the day was the plantation drive conducted under the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (EPMKN)” campaign. Demonstrating its confidence in USTM’s green initiatives and environmental commitment, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board voluntarily selected the USTM campus as one of its key venues for the plantation programme. Senior officials of MSPCB, faculty members, students, and staff participated in the drive, planting saplings across the campus to promote ecological conservation and environmental responsibility.

The observance continued with a special lecture session, bringing together environmental experts. The session was graced by Prof. G. D. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, USTM, along with senior officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), including Dr G. H. Chyrmang, Member Secretary, MSPCB, and other resource persons from the Board.

Delivering the keynote address at the seminar, Dr G. H. Chyrmang, Member Secretary, MSPCB, highlighted the importance of collective action in tackling environmental degradation and stressed the need for stronger public participation in conservation efforts.

Experts from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board delivered a series of technical sessions on critical environmental issues. Shri S. Swer, Chief Scientist, MSPCB, presented the current air quality scenario in Meghalaya, with a particular focus on Byrnihat, and discussed the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Shri S. Syiem, Senior Environmental Engineer, MSPCB, elaborated on industrial emissions, environmental compliance requirements, and the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. Shri J. Lammurong and Shri Y. F. Laloo, Environmental Engineers, MSPCB, jointly conducted a session on biomedical waste management.

The programme also featured an insightful lecture on “Rethinking Development in the Era of Climate Change” by Mr Rituraj Phukan, Founder of the Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Justice Forum, who called for development models that are environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.

Speaking on the occasion, USTM authorities expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for choosing the university as a partner institution for the World Environment Day observance.

About the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM): Established in 2011, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is the first state private university in the field of Science and Technology in North East India. The University was accredited with an ‘A Grade’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its first cycle of assessment in 2021. USTM remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, while promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and regional development.