25 illegal brick kilns demolished in Odisha's Kendrapada

KENDRAPADA: Officials launched a demolition drive against several illegal brick kilns in Derabishi, Rajkanika, Aul, Marsaghai and Mahakalapada blocks of Kendrapada district on Tuesday and Wednesday as the units were operating illegally by violating environment protection and pollution prevention measures.

"We demolished around 25 illegal brick kilns with bulldozers as the kiln owners violated the environment protection and pollution prevention measures. We will soon close all the illegal brick kilns. Many kilns, built in the riverside villages do not have any permission from the district administration," said Kendrapada sub-collector Niranjan Behera.

"During inquiry we found that the owners of the brick kilns have also not taken proper pollution-control measures. No brick kiln will be permitted to operate in the area without environmental clearance from the State Pollution Control Board," added Behera. The black smoke from the kilns is giving rise to respiratory problems among people.