Brick kilns causing air pollution: Minister

Brick kilns, which emit particulate matters and cause serious pollution, must meet notified emission norms and the conditions imposed by state pollution control boards, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said today.
Replying to questions in Lok Sabha, he said that to set up brick kilns, consent is required from the state pollution control board concerned under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
These units are required to meet the notified emission norms and the conditions imposed by state pollution control boards and committees while granting consent, he said during Question Hour.
These units have to be equipped with fixed chimney of prescribed height for control and dispersion of emissions.

"Brick kilns are a source of air pollution as they emit particulate matter due to combustion involved in the process of making bricks," Dave said.
"Ministry has been receiving representations from brick kiln operators/associations on various problems faced by them from time to time," he said.
On whether brick kilns are also a reason for the melting of Himalayan glaciers, Dave replied in the negative and said there is no connection. The melting of glaciers is due to global warming and is a global issue, he added.