3.2K brick kilns of UP, Haryana face closure

NEW DELHI: Of the 4,000-odd brick kilns operating in national capital regions of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, less than one fourth have shifted on to the cleaner zigzag technology to curb pollution levels.

“Only around 722 brick kilns have adopted the zigzag technology to bring down their emission levels. Under t he Graded Response Action Plan, notified by the Union environment ministry, only brick kilns that have adopted the zig-zag technology can operate after June 30,” said a member of the Supreme Courtappointed panel Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority.

Zigzag technology slows down emission of smokes through the chimneys at brick kilns, allowing particulates to settle and leading to a reduction in pollution. Brick kilns fumes are potential sources of PM2.5.

“Those that have not adopted the cleaner technology would have to close down after June 30. EPCA would take a call on when the brick kilns can resume opera- tions,” said Sunita Narain, member of EPCA.

A section of brick kiln owners have, however, urged EPCA to not resort to sudden closures as it would lead to heavy losses for them.

“The investment required for switchig over to zigzag is at least ₹10 lakh. And we are doing it on our own. So the government should not force us to shut shop during the February to June window,” said one of the brick kiln owners.

The EPCA was also informed that only around 20% of the trucks, which are not destined for Delhi, are being diverted through the recently launched Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). Diversion of trucks through the EPE would lead to less pollution in Delhi.

This is way short of the target, as nearly 70% of the trucks that enter the national Capital are not destined for Delhi. The 135-km expressway, which was opened on May 27, still lacks proper signages and lighting, leading to chaos after dark.