Brick kilns in Jharkhand need exemption from strict norms

18 Jan 2022 CW Team

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

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Escorts Kubota Unveils BS V Next-gen Construction Range at Excon 2025

Escorts Kubota (EKL), one of India’s major engineering groups in the agricultural and construction equipment sectors, unveiled its latest BS V–compliant construction machinery line-up at Excon 2025. The refreshed portfolio underscores the company’s push toward application-driven, high-productivity solutions that reduce ownership costs and meet the needs of India’s expanding infrastructure landscape. With demand rising across urban development, industrial logistics and mining, the new range aims to deliver higher performance, durability and operator comfort.In the earthmoving segment, E..

ACE and Kotak Mahindra Bank Join Hands to Boost Backhoe Loader Financing

Action Construction Equipment (ACE), the world’s largest Pick-n-Carry crane maker and a leading manufacturer of material handling and construction equipment in India, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kotak Mahindra Bank to enhance the availability of flexible financing options for backhoe loader customers across the country.The collaboration aims to support contractors, infrastructure companies, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and emerging businesses by offering smoother access to credit through customised loan schemes, quicker turnaround times, and the extensive footprint of Kotak M..

Suraj Estate Wins Euromoney Award for India’s Best Residential Developer

"Suraj Estate Developers Limited has received the Euromoney Real Estate Award 2025 for ‘India’s Best Residential Developer’, positioning the company among globally benchmarked leaders in the sector. The recognition reflects its four-decade legacy in delivering high-quality residential and redevelopment-led projects across South Central Mumbai. The Euromoney Real Estate Awards, presented by the London-based Euromoney magazine, are widely regarded as one of the most credible global assessments of performance in real estate, banking and finance. Winners are selected through surveys of inte..