No coal, Punjab brick-kilns use rubber as fuel

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 25

Amid severe coal shortage, brick-kilns across the state have started using carbon powder as fuel, posing a serious threat to the environment.

As the rates of coal have sky-rocketed, majority of the 2,600-odd kiln owners have started using finely ground rubber crumbs (called carbon powder in local language) as fuel. It is cheaper by almost Rs 11,000-Rs 12,000 per metric tonne as compared to the present cost of coal.

Teams vigilant, action will be taken

I have asked my teams to remain vigilant against the use of rubber crumble in kilns. The field staff has been asked to take strict action against those indulging in such malpractices. The use of this powder as fuel can be very dangerous. — Karunesh Garg, Member Secy, PPCB

Increasing gap in demand and supply

• Coal has become expensive due to severe shortage following rains in states having coal mines
• This has led to a huge gap in demand and supply
• The priority is being given to thermal power plants, which require huge reserves of coal
• As a result, the availability of coal for other industries is rather poor and expensive

Current rates

Rs7,000-Rs11,000/MT — Carbon powder

Rs19,000-Rs23,000/MT — Coal

2,600 — Total kiln owners across state

Sources in the trade confirmed to The Tribune that they were being regularly approached by dealers of carbon powder and offering it at Rs 7,000-Rs 11,000 per MT. Comparatively, the rate of coal available to them varies between Rs 19,000 and Rs 23,000 per MT.

“As a result, many kilns have shifted to the cheaper alternative fuel, notwithstanding its harmful effects on the health and environment,” said a brick-kiln owner, whose unit is located on

the periphery of Ludhiana.

It is learnt that many kilns in Ludhiana, Moga, Ferozepur and Bathinda have started using this highly polluting fuel. It has carcinogenic properties and particulate matter generated from its burning remains suspended in the air for a long time. This smoke contains several toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide, cyanide, sulphur dioxide, etc, which is harmful for the environment as well as human health, especially for the old, pregnant women and those suffering from lung and heart ailments.

Another kiln owner in Bathinda, requesting anonymity, said since the fuel was so easily available and there was no check on its trade or usage, many in the district had switched to the carbon powder.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board, facing shortage of technical staff, is only reacting to complaints and is not taking any proactive step to check pollution.

“Because it rained yesterday, kilns will not be fired for some days now. But once they resume operations, the use of this cheaper alternative to coal is likely to increase. While it is getting difficult to source coal, the “powder” is being delivered on the doorstep. Every day, we get messages from

dealers, requesting us to switch over,” he admitted.

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