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Brick Kilns Face NGT Scrutiny Over Green Norms
5 Aug
Summary
- NGT issued notices to Uttarakhand authorities for environmental norm violations.
- Two Haridwar brick kilns allegedly breach locational criteria.
- UKPCB must report on whether siting criteria were verified.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated action against two brick kilns in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, due to alleged violations of environmental norms. Notices were issued to state authorities following a petition that claims the kilns received a Consolidated Consent to Operate Authorisation improperly.
The petitioner asserts that these kilns violate mandated locational criteria established under the Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2022. Specifically, the kilns are situated too close to villages, educational institutions, places of worship, fruit orchards, and other brick kilns, which is prohibited.
The NGT has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) to investigate and submit a detailed report. The board must clarify if the mandatory siting criteria were confirmed before the operational permits were granted and directly address the alleged breaches.
This issue is part of a longer-standing problem in Haridwar, where illegal brick kilns have been a concern since 2015. Previous NGT directives in 2022 ordered the closure of illegal units and enforcement of environmental guidelines requiring kilns to meet air capacity and distance criteria.
