NGT pollution ban looms large over Delhi Potter’s Colony

An Uttam Nagar colony, Kumhar-ki-Gali which houses over 500 potter families has recently come under the NGT’s scanner for contributing to air pollution in New Delhi. The process which is considered 100% organic uses clay ovens or kilns which are fuelled by burning wood husk releases harmful toxins into the air which may cause respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

Updated on: May 26, 2017 9:14 AM IST

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Updated on May 26, 2017 9:14 AM

An Uttam Nagar colony, Kumhar-ki-Gali which houses over 500 potter families has recently come under the NGT’s scanner for contributing to air pollution in New Delhi. The process which is considered 100% organic uses clay ovens or kilns which are fuelled by burning wood husk releases harmful toxins into the air which may cause respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

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Facing tough competition from other alternative industries like the plastics industry, the pottery business is losing its market presence. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

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‘On one hand our Prime Minister is promoting 'Make in India', and on another, we are on the brim of losing our source of income,’ said Dharamvir, a migrant from Rajasthan who shifted to Delhi for a better livelihood. Seen above is Dharamvir’s wife, cooking a family meal in their modest home which is a level below their pottery workshop. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

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Environmentally friendly alternatives for wood-fired kilns are either electric ovens or ovens run on LPG. Installation and maintenance cost of new equipment is a cause of worry for these potter families which will increase the production cost of pots and other clay products in the market. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

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The final product is sold in wholesale to dealers around the country and sometimes is even exported to foreign countries like Canada. Potters from this colony also teach pottery at local NCR schools and colleges. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

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The art of pottery has been passed through generations in these families where each adult member contributes to their everyday production. People here have mastered the art of making anything from basic pot to fancy toys and common earthenware and have even won accolades for the country on international level. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

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An association speaking on behalf of the potters says that they are ready to cooperate if the government can provide monetary help in the setup of new environmentally friendly kilns or provide alternate fuel options on subsidy or provide alternate jobs to their families. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)

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Having done this work for all their lives on their own, these families have no definitive education or technical skill set that can help them get jobs. Moreover, working according to their own convenience have made them sceptical of getting jobs where they are answerable to others. (GEETIKA VARSHNEY/HT PHOTO)