Abandoned brick kiln pits pose threat to life in Muzaffarnagar

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the safety risks posed by abandoned brick kiln pits in Muzaffarnagar. The directive, issued on September 13, 2023, comes in response to concerns about the vacant pits creating hazards for local residents.

Abandoned pits claim lives in Muzaffarnagar

The complaint was filed by a local resident who alleged that brick kiln owners in a part of Muzaffarnagar district had illegally mined soil by digging pits 15 to 20 feet deep near fields and then abandoned them. These pits fill with water and mud during rainfall, posing a significant risk. Tragically, five children have already lost their lives after accidentally falling into these pits.

The court order stated that the case involved a substantial issue relating to the environment. It highlighted that brick kiln owners had violated regulations by digging pits up to 15-20 feet deep and then abandoning them. These abandoned pits filled up during rainfall, leading to fatal accidents.

The court also referred to an office memorandum dated June 24, 2013, which restricts burrowing/excavation activities to a maximum depth of 2 meters below the general ground level at the site. The memorandum also mandates that the project proponent should restore the burrowed/excavated pit for useful purposes and put fencing all around it.

NGT intervention highlights environmental safety need

The committee's primary mandate is to visit the site, assess the actual conditions on the ground, and recommend measures to rectify the situation. Their report is expected to be submitted before the next hearing scheduled for January 5, 2024.

The NGT's intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to ensure the safety of the local population. The legal proceedings will also involve actively notifying the concerned parties. Meanwhile, the authorities have instructed the applicant to serve notices to the respondents and to provide an affidavit of service during the next hearing.

As global temperatures rise, such environmental issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent regulations and monitoring systems to safeguard both our environment and communities.

Keep reading

• 193 villages in Madhya Pradesh flood due to Sardar Sarovar’s backwater, who is responsible
• Jammu and Kashmir facing worst impact of climate change
• Climate change leaves Kashmir villages without water
• Climate Change: Impact of Untimely Snowfall on Nomads of Kashmir
• Why are Sheep dying in Kashmir?

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected]