NGT asks 3 states to take action against illegal brick kilns

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan to take action against unauthorised brick kilns causing air pollution.
On a plea alleging brick kilns are a major source of air pollution in UP, Haryana and Rajasthan, a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the three states to take appropriate action.
"The primary contention raised in the application is that the order passed by the tribunal and the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board are not being followed.
"We dispose of this application with a direction to the state pollution control boards of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to consider its contents and take appropriate steps, in accordance with the law, without any unnecessary delay," it said.

The petitioner, Sunil Kumar, said "the magnitude of atmospheric pollution due to brick kilns can be gauged from the fact that burning of one kg of coal releases at least four kg of harmful gases".
Referring to various reports, it said sulphur dioxide released by brick kilns leads to itchy eyes, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide increase the temperature and oxides of nitrogen leads to lung and skin infections.