Brick-kilns running with old tech to get more time

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 3

To make sure that the prices of bricks do not escalate taking these beyond the reach of the common man, the Punjab Cabinet is all set to give its approval to running of all kilns (both running with old as well as new zig-zag technologies) in the state for at least next six or eight months. The next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for March 5.

Talking to The Tribune, Food and Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu said the government’s only concern was that the rates of bricks did not escalate. “And for this, we are bringing in a proposal at the coming Cabinet meeting to allow all kilns of Punjab to operate for a few more months. If just 500 kilns with the upgraded technology are allowed to run, there will be an acute shortage and the rates of bricks will escalate. Just to stop the monopoly, we are thinking of allowing all kilns to continue for a few months,” said the minister.

The kiln owners are already divided on this issue. One of the brick-kiln owners, Sarabjit Singh Dhillon, said if the government had to allow all kilns to run, then why they (upgraded kilns) were “penalised” by making them spend lakhs on adopting new technology. “I had earlier moved an application that I should be allowed to operate my kiln with old technology and time be given to me to upgrade my kiln, but it was rejected by the PPCB. I have spent a huge amount to upgrade my kiln. We will challenge the Cabinet move in the court,” said Dhillon.

Recently, the PPCB had submitted a list of kilns operating with old technology, following which the Food and Supplies Department had issued directions for cancellation of licences of those kilns.