New technology to reduce brick kiln pollution: PPCB

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 15

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Jalandhar, organised a meeting-cum-interactive seminar with brick kiln owners of Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts here today. It was chaired by Sandeep Bahl, Senior Environmental Engineer, Zonal Office, Jalandhar. A presentation on the newly approved zig-zag technology and its functioning was made and it was shown that it would result in the increased quality of first-class bricks from 75% to 90% besides reducing the coal consumption and thereby reducing the pollution.

Sandeep Kumar, AEE, explained the best fuel feeding practices in brick kilns to minimise the air pollution. He also explained the code of practice for brick kilns framed by the board.

Sandeep Bahl, Senior Environmental Engineer, while addressing brick kiln owners said, “We are passing through a very tough time due to the enhanced air quality index owing to stubble burning. Various countries have issued advisories for their citizens not to visit India. It needs to be introspected very seriously. Effects of the smog have been seen in the past couple of days. It is the duty of every section of society to act or to not to react.”

He said that the new technology on coal consumption would reduce the pollution. “The Union Government has issued directions to all state governments that brick kilns, who are not complying with the prescribed environmental norms, be shut immediately and has given time for conversion of present brick kilns to induced draft brick kilns by December 2018,” he added.

The brick kilns owners, however, said that the zig-zag technology was going to cost them high and it would become difficult for them as their business was already witnessing downfall.