It is very disconcerting to note that environmentally damaging brick kilns are being set up in the urban area. Besides, there is widespread allegation that brick kilns do not often have required environment-friendly long chimneys with the height of 120 feet to 130 feet. They are permitted to use coal for fire. But these legal imperatives are hardly followed. Huge quantities of timbers and bamboo stumps are burnt for the majority of brick kilns in the country. Previously, there are examples that the owners of some kilns kept coal outside the kilns to show that they were abiding by the rules but in actuality they were burning woods and bamboo inside.
Against this backdrop experts have rightly called for the setting up of eco-friendly industries, using advanced technology in brick kilns and making of alternative brick blocks to control environmental pollution, save soil heath, biodiversity and public health. Recently, in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner, Rangpur a workshop titled “Industrial pollution control, installation of advanced technology in brick kilns and use of alternative brick blocks” was held where it was observed that increasing brick production adopting traditional methods in conventional brick kilns should be stopped as this aggravates the environmental pollution and ruin public health.
The traditional kilns are posing serious threats to the environment and public health. The relevant law stipulates that brick kilns cannot be set up near the human habitats anywhere, let alone in a municipal area where the population is far greater than the rural areas. Bangladesh needs more brick kilns to supply bricks needed in the construction activities but it does not mean that bricks would be produced, inviting danger to the environment and public health. That is why it is immediately necessary to take action against all illegal brick kilns in the country.
The effect of illegal brick kilns is massive both in terms of environment, health and agriculture. We, therefore, strongly urge the administrations as well as the Directorate of Environment to bring to book the illegal brick kiln owners and oversee that bricks are being burnt following the stipulated rules.
Besides observing the relevant law, it is also necessary to establish advanced technology brick kilns and use eco-friendly concrete blocks in place of traditional bricks to stop pollution from traditional brick kilns. Popularising use of concrete brick blocks, as experts have pointed out, can also help us to develop the country without harming the environment.
