Jammu, 03-01-2024: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is poised for a significant environmental transformation as all 560 brick kilns within its borders are set to transition to the Supreme Court-approved Zig-Zag technology by February 2025.
This crucial shift aligns with environmental norms and aims to curtail harmful emissions of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, ushering in improved efficiency, cost reductions for kiln owners, and enhanced safety measures for workers. A comprehensive report submitted to the National Green Tribunal by K Ramesh Kumar, Member Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, sheds light on the ongoing compliance efforts. Out of the total brick kilns, 415 have either obtained or applied for consent from the Pollution Control Committee, with 201 already converted to Zig-Zag technology by December 31, 2023.
The report emphasizes strict compliance with High Court orders, including the closure of non-compliant brick kilns within an eight-kilometer radius of the Srinagar Airport runway. Notably, the Pollution Control Committee is compiling the latest status of all brick kilns in the Union Territory, anticipating subsequent actions over the next three months. The impending directives under the Air Act 1981 will address the operation of brick kilns lacking valid consent. Furthermore, brick kilns within a 10-kilometer radius of the Non-Attainment Cities of Jammu/Srinagar will be prohibited from operating without Zig-Zag technology beyond February 2024. The broader initiative, mandated by the Union Environment Ministry and endorsed by the Apex Court, emphasizes the use of Zig-Zag technology and encourages the adoption of eco-friendly practices.
The new brick kilns are mandated to use piped natural gas (PNG) as fuel while existing ones are permitted to use approved fuels like coal, firewood, agricultural residues, and PNG. Zig-Zag technology, characterized by stacking bricks in a zigzag pattern, not only reduces coal consumption but also produces cost-efficient, higher-quality bricks with significantly lower emissions. The operation of brick kilns in Jammu and Kashmir falls under the regulatory purview of the Pollution Control Committee, adhering to legal enactments and guidelines issued by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
These regulations encompass guidelines for the regulation of brick kilns in 2010, the Jammu and Kashmir Brick Kilns (Regulation) Act 2010, the Jammu and Kashmir Brick Kilns (Regulation) Rules 2017, Operational Guidelines for Brick Kilns in J&K 2021, Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules 2022, and Environment (Protection) Sixth Amendments Rules 2023. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee meticulously considers and grants necessary approvals for brick kilns, with licenses issued by the respective District Magistrates.