CPCB report on bricks kilns impact on environment, 04/03/2020
Submission of Central Pollution Control Board report in compliance of National Green Tribunal order of January 30, 2020 in the matter of O. A. No. 1016 of 2019, Utkarsh Panwar Vs CPCB & Others and O.A. No. 1088/2018 Dinesh Chahal & Others Vs Union of India & Others.
The NGT had directed for submission of a study on the impact of brick kilns on loss/degradation of top soil. Also to conduct carrying capacity of brick kilns with adequate samples in terms of brick kilns and days for which monitoring has been conducted, both in NCR and non-NCR regions. Assessment with respect to the permissible number of brick kilns and technology to be used for the same in the non-NCR region and the potential of brick kilns based on FCBTK technology using agro-residues for impact on the air quality of NCT Delhi, specially during the winter months, were also to be studied.
Brick kilns based on zig-zag technology using agro-residues are located only in NCR areas but in view of high concentration of PM emissions during winter months, brick kilns in the NCR regions were kept closed as per the directionsn of EPCA.
The CPCB in its report of March 4, 2020 has said that brick kilns based on zig-zag technology using agro-residues are located only in NCR areas and if these are to be monitored to assess the performance of brick kilns operating on agro-residues, under comparable situations, the zig-zag type brick kilns in NCR regions, which are presently closed, has to be made operational to facilitate monitoring. Also, at least 4 months time period should be granted to CPCB for monitoring 65 brick kilns in NCR and non-NCR regions for submission of a report covering:
i) Impact of brick kilns operation on loss/degradation of top soil
ii) study involving carrying capacity assessment of brick kilns with adequate samples in terms of number of brick kilns and days for which monitoring be conducted
iii) Evaluation of the performance of brick kilns against the background concentration and carrying capacity of the area and
iv) Impact on brick kilns operation on ambient air after commencement of operation of brick kilns in NCR regions.