AZARA, Feb 15? Brick industries located at different parts of south Kamrup area have been creating environmental pollution during the winter season every year. It may be noted here that about 50 brick industries are located at Dharapur, Khanamukh, Azara, Garal, Palasbari, Nahira etc in south Kamrup.
The pollution level of the brick kilns is increasing so much so that it has affected most of the agricultural lands in entire south Kamrup. Over 20,000 acres of prime agricultural lands are being annually lost to accommodate these industries. Unfortunately, the black smoke emanating from a jet black chimney is affecting the rabi crops in the area. Stacks of bricks are piled here and there. Besides, the black-smoke affects human beings seriously causing air pollution.
The extremely fertile soft top soil is also the best for giving shape to these building units and is to be found in abundance in the plains, which is mercilessly exploited. The underground fair in the kilns reduces the surrounding soil moisture and unplanned hacking away at the soil alters the drainage pattern of the area from which the mud is carted off. The effect of all these on agriculture is disastrous. Thus, the rate of fertile agricultural land in south Kamrup has been decreasing year after year.
It is worthmentioning here that the brick industries should have annual consent for emission/ continuation of emission under Section 21 of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 from the Pollution Control Board, Assam. But, surprisingly, most of the brick industries in south Kamrup is running without such consent from the Board. Moreover, according to the Board?s norms, the chimney of the brick industry should be more than 50 feet high. But the chimney in every brick industry is just 30 or 40 feet high.
The Pollution Control Board, Assam has not taken any necessary action against the brick industries, as the brick kiln owners are powerful enough. The local people have alleged that there might be nexus between the Pollution Control Board authority and the brick kiln owners.