Despite ban, 35 brick-kilns operational

Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune news Service

Gurdaspur, November 20

The Punjab Brick-Kiln Owners’ Association (PBKOA) has accused five deputy commissioners (DCs) of allowing illegal functioning of 35 units in their respective jurisdiction.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) had passed an order on April 9, saying that no kiln would operate from October 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019, because of pollution concerns.

It had stated that during winter, emissions from kilns aggravated pollution. Kuldeep Singh Makkar, president, PBKOA, claimed that the 35 kilns were being allowed to operate by the DCs under pressure from politicians. Of the 35 erring units, 15 are in Gurdaspur district. “The PPCB has asked us not to operate our units following which we are running into losses, but some kilns are being allowed to operate by the DCs of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Fazilka, Sangrur and Tarn Taran. We have also requested SSPs to send the police where such units are functioning. The licensees of these kilns should be withdrawn,” said Makkar.

He added that two kilns were running illegally in Ferozepur district and when the association brought it to the notice of the DC, he issued orders to shut them down.

“We asked the DC to stop operations in five districts. However, nobody listened to us. The district heads are playing into the hands of the politicians and kiln owners. Even the district police chiefs are not willing to help us,” he said.

Gurdaspur DC Vipul Ujwal rubbished the allegations of playing into the hands of kiln owners and politicians.

“I have received the association’s complaint subsequent to which I have formed teams which are now checking all kilns in the district. Those units which are violating norms will be shut down. There is no question of coming under any political pressure,” he said.

Twists and turns

• Hoshiarpur-based Billa Bricks had filed an appeal against the PPCB notification (banning kilns) of April 9 with the Secretary (Environment), Punjab. The notification was set aside on October 1. 
• The Punjab Brick-Kiln Owners’ Association moved the NGT on October 22 against the order. The latter set aside the Secretary’s order on October 24. 
• This means that no unit will be allowed to function from October 1, 2018, till January 31, 2019. Billa Bricks challenged the NGT’s ruling, but its appeal was quashed.