Deadline over, still no tech upgrade in 800 brick-kilns

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 14

The state government has warned of strict action against brick-kilns which have not yet shifted to new technology to manufacture bricks. It has instructed the district administrations to inspect all kilns and shut those which have failed in transition to the newly mandated emissions technology.

Following the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, the government had directed brick-kilns to shift to induced draft or zigzag technology by September 30. However, many units, running allegedly under political patronage, are yet to comply. There are around 2,800 brick-kilns in Punjab, of which around 2,000 kilns have upgraded.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) started acting on it in 2018, but met with statewide protests from the kiln owners, who demanded more time. Finally, a deadline of September 30, 2019, was set.

Kilns shut down in the rainy season and usually start operations during the winters. This is the peak time when air pollution in the region gets worse due to stubble burning. “Workers who are skilled to work in zigzag kilns are asking for high wages. A fireman who has monthly pay of Rs 8,000 is now seeking Rs 12,000 for the same job. All these factors had slowed down the conversion process. We need more time,” said brick-kiln owner. After the government completely failed to tackle stubble burning, they are targeting kilns, owners said.

Earlier, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had rejected the plea for protection to polluting brick-kilns that had failed to upgrade the technology. The government had then issued orders for imposing penalty for failure to shift to the new induced draft or zigzag technology.

An official said, “As per the orders, kilns found continuing to operate without upgrading technology will be required to pay Rs 25,000 per month (kiln with a capacity of more than 30,000 bricks per day) and Rs 20,000 per month (less than 30,000 bricks per day).” “We have formed sub-committees in every district and every kiln will be inspected and a report will be prepared,” he said.