Gopalganj brick kilns use firewood
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Our Correspondent
GOPALGANJ, April 13: Despite government ban, firewood is extensively being used in the brick kilns in the district.
There are 40 brick fields in five upazilas of the district. Most of those pose a threat to the environment as bricks are produced there violating environment conservation act.
Besides, most of the brick fields, sprung up in the areas close to neighbourhoods, also threatening public health.
Brick Burning Control Ordinance 1992 prohibits brick fields owners from using firewood in kilns. The law, however, allows use of coal. It also prohibits setting up of brick fields on croplands.
According to the Environment Conservation Act 2001, no brick kiln is allowed in the city areas, within three kilometers of the upazila headquarters or reserved forests.
But most of the kilns are situated in the restricted down town areas to get available transport facility for getting easy and illegal supply of fire wood and earth.
Local people said the kilns are run in collusion with some dishonest government officials. The owners of the kilns also pay local hoodlums regularly to tackle any untoward situation, they added.
According to an estimate, some 43,000 kilogramme of firewood is required to bake one hundred thousand bricks.
GOPALGANJ, April 13: Despite government ban, firewood is extensively being used in the brick kilns in the district.
There are 40 brick fields in five upazilas of the district. Most of those pose a threat to the environment as bricks are produced there violating environment conservation act.
Besides, most of the brick fields, sprung up in the areas close to neighbourhoods, also threatening public health.
Brick Burning Control Ordinance 1992 prohibits brick fields owners from using firewood in kilns. The law, however, allows use of coal. It also prohibits setting up of brick fields on croplands.
According to the Environment Conservation Act 2001, no brick kiln is allowed in the city areas, within three kilometers of the upazila headquarters or reserved forests.
But most of the kilns are situated in the restricted down town areas to get available transport facility for getting easy and illegal supply of fire wood and earth.
Local people said the kilns are run in collusion with some dishonest government officials. The owners of the kilns also pay local hoodlums regularly to tackle any untoward situation, they added.
According to an estimate, some 43,000 kilogramme of firewood is required to bake one hundred thousand bricks.