News: Go-ahead likely for brick kilns with zigzag technology-11-02-2021
Studies carried out in India and other South Asian countries have indicated that a properly constructed zigzag brick kiln may result in 20-25% reduction in fuel compared with fixed chimney bull trench kiln (FCBTK) technology.
NEW DELHI: An expert committee constituted by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recommended that the brick kilns, which have already adopted zigzag technology, may only be allowed to operate in National Capital Region (NCR). According to CPCB, out of total 4,635 brick kilns in the region, 2,697 brick kilns were running on zigzag technology till December 16, 2020.
Studies carried out in India and other South Asian countries have indicated that a properly constructed zigzag brick kiln may result in 20-25% reduction in fuel compared with fixed chimney bull trench kiln (FCBTK) technology.
Earlier, National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed CPCB to constitute a committee of five experts to suggest ways and means, if any, by which sustenance of brick kilns activities might be viable.
The committee, in its report to NGT, said, “The brick kilns, which have already been converted to zigzag technology, may only be allowed to operate, subject to the compliance of all the applicable environmental notifications, sitting guidelines, conditions of the consent to operate granted by respective state pollution control boards with special reference to control of fugitive dust emissions.”
“The long-term sustenance of the brick kilns in NCR depends on implementation of measures to further improve design and operation of existing zigzag kilns for pollution prevention at source and improve resource-use efficiency. The committee has given suggestions, based on which applied research and pilot demonstration can be taken up besides developing a roadmap for time-bound implementation.”
The committee, however, suggested that the permission to operate the brick kilns in the winter months must be subjected to the restrictions, if any, on the operation of industries, to control the concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air environment of Delhi-NCR.
In its report to NGT, the panel recommended installation of one night-vision CCTV camera, focusing on the exit of brick kilns stack with connectivity to SPCBs & CPCB, to ensure visual monitoring of smoke emissions.
