CHANDIGARH: Giving a compliance period of four months, all the brick kiln owners in the State have been directed to adopt zig-zag high draught technology in the kilns, informed KS Pannu, Director Mission Tandrust Punjab.
Divulging into details, Pannu informed that under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act 1986, an order was issued in the month of May, 2019 prohibiting the operation of brick kilns based on conventional technology after September 30, 2019 and a reminder to the same has been issued under Tandrust Punjab Mission, to all the Deputy Commissioners.
He said that the traditional design of brick kilns is not only energy intensive but also poses various health hazards and environmental issues. But, with the help of modified design there is sizeable reduction in carbon emission, thus controlling environmental degradation. Besides, there is direct saving of precious resources (clay and fuel) to the tune of 20 to 30%. In fact, industry has reported 25% savings in coal amounting approximately to rupees 15 lacs per klin in one season, on adoption of Induced Draught Zig Zag Technology, he added.
He said that introduction of Induced Draught Zig Zag Technology costs around Rs 20 to 25 lac per kiln, but it is easily recovered in a year by way of improved quality of bricks and lesser use of coal.
He informed that there are 2854 brick kilns in Punjab out of which 1300 have moved towards introduction of modern technology. 700 out of them have completely shifted to Zig Zag Technology while others are in the process. But, nearly 1550 kiln owners have not initiated any move towards introduction of this technology. Warning them, Pannu made it clear that after the slated deadline no brick kiln sans Zig Zag Technology would be permitted to run in the State. Going on a stricter note, he said that if need be, after September 30, transportation of coal supplies to such defaulters will be cut off.
Ringing the alarm bell, Pannu said that in the winter months if about 3000 brick kilns are ignited with coal, due to low temperature and high moisture, the polluted air doesn’t disperse. The problem is further compounded with burning of crop residue in the month of October and November which releases large amount of obnoxious gasses in the air. Thus, it is necessary that we should shift towards environment-friendly technology at the earliest.