Assam: Officials hold meeting on functioning of Brick Kilns in Margherita

MARGHERITA: A meeting was held on Monday at the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Margherita about the issue of the functioning of the Brick Kilns operating in the Margherita Sub-Division.

The meeting was chaired by Shri. Palash Rajkumar Ahom, ADC (i/c)Margherita and was attended by Margherita Circle Officer Runal Nath,Siddhartha Sh. Sonowal, Assistant Commissioner Margherita, proprietors of the brick-kilns Margherita Region and members of All Adivasi Student’s Association of Assam (AASAA).

Palash Rajkumar Ahom addressed the grievances laid out by the members of AASAA such as non-compliance of norms set up by the central and state agencies in the functioning of the brick-kilns.

The ADC reflected on the fact that the manufacturing of the bricks was vital for the growth of infrastructure and economy of the sub-division but the un-planned and unauthorized kilns have an unprecedented effect on the environment as well as the human population. Palash Rajkumar Ahom asked the proprietors to comply with the guidelines for operation prescribed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India; Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi & Pollution Control Board, Assam as issued from time to time such as Brick Kilns Establishment & Regulation Rules, 2013 and look into the parameters such as location, as the kilns should be constructed away from the residential areas depending on the population of the area, schools, hospital, public building, religious place or a place where flammable substances are stores, the river bank and path of any natural water flow as well as a riverbank, waterfront of Wetlands, lakes, railway tracks, etc.

The ADC, pointed out that the damages should be minimized and green belt development should be done by the proprietors of kilns and scientific methods to be employed for lesser land and air pollution. The proprietors were asked to pay heed that no child labor is engaged and medical facilities are provided along with proper wages to the laborers.

The ADC also asked the kilns owners to take responsibility for the vehicles and drivers with a proper driving license should only be appointed, to ply the bricks-laden vehicles and mitigate accidents occurring due to irresponsible driving, malfunctioning, and overloading vehicles. If possible, the ADC requested the proprietors to engage in social responsibilities for the betterment of society.

Margherita Circle Officer Runal Nath asked the proprietors to update all their documents and renew their licenses if in case, it has lapsed. No kilns will be allowed to function with a lapsed license. He also added that the brick kiln shall be allowed only on Non-Agricultural land certified by the Revenue department of the administration.

The members of the AASAA pointed that many kilns have been functioning without considering the adverse impact they have on the environment and locales and flout the guidelines.

Raja Kujur President of AASAA Tinsukia District Committee requested the Margherita administration to take cognizance of their grievances which is for the overall benefit of the sub-division.

Palash Rajkumar Ahom, warned the proprietors and gave them forty-five days from today, to rectify their mistakes and shortcomings in the functioning of the kilns and comply with the laid guidelines. Inspection at the end of 45 days will be done by the administration.

Lastly, The ADC i/c thanked everyone for attending the meeting and believed that careful considerations can go a long way in maintaining the economy, providing employment to labourers, boosting infrastucture while taking care of the environment and human life.