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NGT's major move to control unauthorized brick kilns operating in J&K

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made a major move to tackle environmental problems in Jammu and Kashmir.

By Ground Report 07 Feb 2024

New Update

NGT's major move to control unauthorized brick kilns operating in J&K

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made a significant move to tackle environmental issues in Jammu and Kashmir. The action is in response to ongoing problems with environmental compliance, particularly concerning brick kilns in the region.

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The NGT has sought information from the head of the Environment Department in Jammu and Kashmir. The inquiry focuses on the measures taken to ensure the effective operation of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC).

132 brick kilns operating illegally

The order, a copy of which Groundreport.in possesses, indicates the NGT's emphasis on the necessity of accountability for unauthorized brick kilns operating without the appropriate permits. Environmental authorities have marked 132 of these kilns for operating without permission.

Even though the NGT has given orders before to deal with this issue, the latest report from the JKPCC does not mention any action taken against these unauthorized kilns.

The Member Secretary of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) informed the court that 570 brick kilns are currently operating in the region. They highlighted that 196 of these are operating with proper consent, while 132 are operating without it. The JKPCC has issued closure orders for 146 kilns. An additional 147 kilns have applied for consent and are currently under review.

publive-image — Smoke billowing from a brick kiln Photo Credit: Ground Report

Despite these figures, the report did not mention any action taken against the 132 kilns operating without consent. This caught the attention of the NGT.

On February 2, 2024, the court ordered the Principal Secretary of the Environment Department in Jammu & Kashmir to respond. The response should detail the actions taken to ensure the JKPCC is functioning properly and what has been done about the brick kilns operating without consent.

The NGT’s order highlights the importance of dealing with environmental rule-breaking and making sure established rules are followed. It has given a deadline of April 8, 2024, for the Principal Secretary to file a response detailing the actions taken to fix the situation. This includes steps to improve the working of the JKPCC and actions taken against the unauthorized brick kilns.

NGT concerned about JKPCC’s personnel shortage

Moreover, the NGT expressed worry over the lack of responsible officers within the JKPCC to deal with these issues. The transfer of important personnel has made the situation more complicated, leaving a gap in the oversight and enforcement of environmental rules.

Considering these developments, the NGT has called for immediate action to deal with the unauthorized operation of brick kilns and to strengthen the working of the JKPCC. It has emphasized the importance of openness and responsibility in environmental governance and has set clear expectations for the authorities to do their duties.

The NGT’s intervention serves as a reminder of the critical need to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development practices. It is very important for all stakeholders, including government agencies, to prioritize environmental conservation and take solid steps to effectively deal with environmental rule-breaking. Failure to do so not only puts the ecological balance at risk but also poses risks to public health and well-being.

The court directed the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Jammu & Kashmir to file the response at least one week before the next date of hearing, April 8, 2024.