Uttar Pradesh: PCB orders closure of 145 brick kilns in Etawah

KANPUR: The Pollution Control Board has ordered the closure of 145 brick kiln units in Etawah. Notices have been issued to 145 brick kiln units as operators of these units have not procured licences from the board to run their units. The high court had expressed displeasure over the matter and directed the state government to stop the operation of such kilns, board sources said.
There are nearly 175 brick kiln units at present operational in Etawah district.The major setback is with the brick kilns installed before the year 2012 as they do not have a Pollution Control Board licence.
Now, after the order of the High Court, all the brick kilns would be inspected by the regional manager, Firozabad Pollution Control Board.
Orders have been given to close such kilns which are operational without licences. The board had issued strict guidelines for brick kilns established in the year 2012 or before. As per the guidelines, along with increasing green cover in the periphery of brick kilns, emphasis was also laid on adopting modern measures for reducing pollution.
In compliance with the guidelines, the brick kiln owners did not pay heed and continued to run their units.
Suresh Arora, secretary of the District Brick Kiln Association, meanwhile said that the closure of the brick kilns will have a significant impact on this industry of the district. "Employment generated through brick kilns will be affected badly. The authorities should consider this aspect," said Arora further.
"There are 145 brick kilns operating in Etawah district which have not taken the licence of Pollution Control Board," said Manoj Chaurasia, regional manager, Pollution Control Board, Firozabad. "Orders have been given by the government to close all such units. Notices have been issued to all of them. Those who will adhere to the guidelines, will be exempted and allowed to run their units," said Chaurasia further.