Brick kilns in Jharkhand need exemption from strict norms

The red brick industry, which has been accused of environmental pollution, appealed to policy-makers for making a pro-con list before creating norms that will be tough to follow. The brick manufacturers ready for switching to cleaner technology are skeptical that the strict regulations might put the small and medium businesses out of business. The manufacturers are also doubtful regarding the future of their businesses due to the center’s carbon phase-down policy. There are approximately over 2,000 brick kilns in Jharkhand providing direct and indirect employment to about three lakh people. Estimates suggest that the industry provides employment opportunities for a period of 120-150 days every year with an average wage rate of Rs 500 for every individual. Even after adopting environment-friendly technology, this industry is constantly under the radar of environmental activists for considering it a polluting industry. Jharkhand Pradesh Brick Manufacturers Association (JPBMA), Ranchi district President, Abhay Tiwari, said many brick kilns have transitioned to fuel-efficient zig-zag kilns from the previous Fixed Chimney Bull’s Trench (FCBT) model considered to be highly polluting for improving efficiency and reducing emissions. The coal is burned efficiently with the help of the zig-zag kilns fitted with boosters which reduce coal consumption by 60% in comparison with the FCBT model. The National Green Tribunal had recently passed an order for shutting the operation of coal-based zig-zag kilns in Delhi for safeguarding the heavily polluted regions. Although the order has not been passed in Jharkhand there is a fear if it happens the businesses would fall into the hands of the corporates. Some are switching to kilns that are PNG and CNG-fueled. However, it is too expensive for small business owners. Image Source