‘Shut brick kilns still operating in state’

Ludhiana, November 19

Brick-kiln owners in Punjab have demanded strict action against brick kilns still operating in Punjab despite orders issued by the National Green Tribunal to shut kilns.

A state-level meeting of the association was held here on Monday, in which office-bearers from 22 districts raised the issue.

President of the association Kuldip Makkar said the association met the PPCB chief and latter had shown concern over rising levels of pollution in these four months. It was decided amicably to shut the kiln, but a few brick kiln owners pressured the government and PPCB again allowed to run the kilns.

“Many owners started with the modifications in kilns, so that pollution levels can be lowered, while some manipulators still continued operations. We want the government to take action and shut kilns that are still operating,” said R Mohi, vice-president Punjab Brick Kiln Association. — TNS