Brickfield emissions-threat to ecology

These brickfields are not only polluting the surrounding environment but also having adverse effects on the agriculture of the region. Besides, these fields that are wood-fired are also depleting the forest resources of the country apart from emitting very harmful gases. These obnoxious and harmful emissions are hampering fruit bearing trees around the brickfields.

Over the years the media had been reporting about the havoc the brickfields are causing to our environment, yet there is no sign of respite in the heinous act. We are simply appalled by this continuous harm to the environment as well as denudation of the forests.

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It is no secret that these brickfields of the Hill Tracts operate using firewood whereas there exists a statutory law that states that only coal should be used for the purpose. But it is disconcerting that the brickfield owners continue to violate the rule since the authorities concerned turn a blind eye to the violators. Not only that, it is shocking to note, as stated by an officer of the Department of Environment and Forests, that of the 44 brickfields only two have valid license and other related documents. It is alleged that these brickfield owners continue with their operations without the help of the unscrupulous government officers.

We strongly urge the government to put a stop to these corrupt traders and their heinous acts in order to save both our forests resources and environment, failing which there may be a local ecological disaster. The matter must be comprehensively and decisively dealt with, here and now.