Pollution control board seals brick kiln at village in Ambala

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) sealed a brick kiln for using non-permitted fuel to generate energy on Thursday.

A team of the HSPCB visited the brick kiln operational at Bichpari village and found that it was causing pollution.

An official said a field officer of the board had visited the brick kiln on July 1 and reported the violations being made by the unit. The unit was using unapproved fuel like plastic, rubber and other PVC waste for firing the brick kiln, in violation of the order issued by HSPCB of the Air Act, containing the list of approved fuels. A show-cause notice for closure was issued to the unit by the Regional Officer in Ambala but the unit did not submit its reply, following which the Regional Officer recommended closure action against the unit under Section 31A of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and 33-A of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Orders were issued by the board to shut the operations by sealing the plant/machinery and DG sets (if any) along with disconnection of the electricity supply and water supply to the unit, with immediate effect.

The official said the non-compliance to directions issued under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, was an offence. The brick kiln was sealed by a team of the board led by Sub-divisional Officer (SDO) Vijay Singh on Thursday.

The board has also directed the Executive Engineer of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL), Operation Division, Ambala, to disconnect the electricity supply of the unit immediately and submit compliance report within three days. The Regional Officer, Ambala, was asked to initiate legal action against the unit for filing prosecution case for the said violations. The officer was also asked to submit the complete case with reasoned recommendation for the same to Head Office immediately.

Ajay Singh, Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, said, “During a field visit, a brick kiln was found violating the norms and using non-permitted fuel causing pollution. A report was submitted and taking further action, the brick kiln has been sealed. Further action will be taken as per norms. There are clear directions to the brick kiln operators to follow the guidelines and norms, else strict action will be initiated against them.”