3,200 brick kilns of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana face closure

Under the Graded Response Action Plan, notified by the Union environment ministry, only brick kilns that have adopted the zig-zag technology can operate after June 30

Of the 4,000-odd brick kilns operating in national capital regions of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, less than one fourth have shifted on to the cleaner zig-zag technology to curb pollution levels.

Workers preparing bricks at a brick kiln at Dhandra in Ludhiana. (HT File Photo)

“Only around 722 brick kilns have adopted the zig-zag technology to bring down their emission levels. Under the Graded Response Action Plan, notified by the Union environment ministry, only brick kilns that have adopted the zig-zag technology can operate after June 30,” said a member of the Supreme Court-appointed panel Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority.

Zig-zag technology slows down emission of smokes through the chimneys at brick kilns, allowing particulates to settle and leading to a reduction in pollution. Brick kilns fumes are potential sources of PM2.5. “Those that have not adopted the cleaner technology would have to close down after June 30. EPCA would take a call on when the brick kilns can resume operations,” said Sunita Narain, member of EPCA.