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| Authorities sleep over as unauthorized kilns continue to eat agricultural land | | |
Sulaiman Shah
Srinagar, Aug 27: While the bricks punch holes in the middle class pocket, the increasing number of kilns not only vandalize the environment but causes massive loss of agricultural land to the state as well.
The central district of Budgam bears the maximum brunt of “unauthorised” klins. With the authorities choosing to sleep over the issue, the chances of immediate relief to the people and the fragile environment of the district seem quite bleak.
The areas which are bearing the brunt of these kilns include Dadina, Nasrullahpora, Sholipora and the adjoining villages. People from these villages are suffering from various ailments like skin diseases, chest infections and asthma. Dr Abdul Majeed attributes these diseases to the toxic gases which emanate from these kilns. He said "the poisonous gases have polluted the environment of the otherwise very beautiful villages. I examine at least three patients a day suffering from skin rashes and elderly patients get chest and other infections."
The number of brick kilns have increased from 50 in 2000 to 175 till this year and 80% of them are running illegally without any permission and certificate from the concerned department. Abdul Samad of revenue department said" Every day there are about five to six new kilns being established without any permission. We are surprised that how the authorities and concerned departments are closing their eyes towards these unauthorized units."
The Pollution Control Board (PCB) admitted setting up of “illegal kilns”. The legal advisor of the PCB, Muhammad Maqbool Shah revealed that 60% kilns were running illegally. “We have issued clearance certificates to some of the units”, he said. Shah expressed surprise over inaction of the government viz-a-viz illegal klins units which have been issued clearance certificates and the rest are illegal and
On criterion for setting up of a klin, Shah said, “We have made it clear that there should be proper distance from local habitat, concrete chimney and shuttling basin should be adhered to. And , a klin, by no means can be established on agricultural land.”
Besides seeking more powers for the PCB, the experts suggest measures like pulling down of the illegal kilns. “People not only need bricks, they also need a healthy enviornment also their physical and psychological growth. We cannot allow unscrupulous elements to amass a fortune as the commoners suffer”, said a doctor preferring anonymity.
People involved in construction works have a woeful tale to tell. According to Ali Muhammad of Batmaloo, the increased number of kilns should have lessened the price of bricks. “But on the contrary the prices soar up with every passing day. A 1000 bricks are sold at Rs 5000 while as the rate fixed by the government is Rs 1800” , he said.
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