Guwahati: The Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB), in collaboration with Aaranyak and the Institution of Engineers (India), Assam State Centre (IEI-ASC), on Thursday organized a day-long programme to highlight the urgent need to combat rising air pollution in the state.
The event, themed “Air Quality and Environment: Human Health Challenges and Community Mobilization,” brought together policy experts, academicians, engineers, activists, and students to emphasize the critical link between environmental health and human well-being.
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The distinguished panel included Dr. G. K. Misra, Member Secretary of APCB; Er. Mahesh Borkotoky, Chairman of IEI (India) ASC; Er. Gokul Bhuyan, Ex-Member Secretary of APCB; and Dr. Rashmi Agarwalla, Assistant Professor at AIIMS Guwahati, among others.
A major highlight was the audiovisual presentations delivered by students and research scholars from across Assam. These showcased innovative solutions and community-based strategies to tackle pollution. The top three presentations were awarded cash prizes and certificates by APCB, in recognition of youth-led innovation in environmental action.
Speakers warned that Assam, like much of India, is grappling with a “silent health crisis” caused by deteriorating air quality. Rising respiratory illnesses, long-term risks of unchecked emissions, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities were flagged as pressing concerns.
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Experts stressed the need for community mobilization, stricter enforcement of pollution norms, and adoption of sustainable technologies. They underscored that solving the air quality crisis requires not just technical fixes but also behavioral change and shared responsibility across society.
By blending scientific insights with grassroots perspectives, the event reaffirmed that clean air is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Assam’s observance sent out a clear message: safeguarding air quality today is essential to protecting the health and sustainability of future generations.
