Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal brick kilns operating in Punjab, 24/10/2018
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Punjab Brick Kiln Owners Association Vs. State of Punjab & Others dated 24/10/2018 regarding illegal brick kilns operating in Punjab. This appeal has been preferred against the order of the Appellate Authority under the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 quashing the directions of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) that the Brick Kilns should not operate from 01.10.2018 to 31.01.2019.
The PPCB vide its order dated 09.04.2018 observed that taking into account the worsening air quality index during the period from October to December in the State of Punjab, the Brick Kilns shall restrict firing period from 1st February to 30th September. The PPCB noted that there are about 3000 brick kilns and total pollution load caused deterioration of the air quality especially from October to December.
National Green Tribunal directs that the brick kilns will remain closed till 31.01.2019 and can start operating only after installing the new technology.