Ganjam District Administration Cracks Down on Illegal Brick Kilns
The Ganjam district administration carried out a significant enforcement action on Friday, demolishing four brick kiln units operating illegally in Aska tehsil. The operation targeted facilities that were allegedly violating multiple regulations, with particular emphasis on environmental and pollution control norms.
Targeted Demolition in Three Villages
According to Sangeeta Sen, the Aska tehsildar, the illegal brick kiln units were located across three different villages. Two units were situated in Alipur, with one unit each in Rishipur and Karatali revenue circles. The administration's demolition drive resulted in the destruction of bricks and other materials valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh.
The operation was conducted with substantial official presence, including police personnel, fire department staff, revenue supervisors, and inspectors. Notably, authorities reported no resistance or obstacles from the brick kiln owners during the demolition process.
Administrative Process and Previous Actions
Tehsildar Sangeeta Sen explained that the administration had followed proper procedural steps before taking demolition action. "Earlier, we issued show cause notices to the brick kiln owners," she stated. "Steps to demolish the illegal kilns were taken as they did not give proper reply."
This is not the first time the district administration has taken action against illegal brick kiln operations. Last year, authorities had imposed fines on kiln owners for similar violations. In a separate operation in Digapahandi tehsil, approximately 25 illegally operating brick kilns were destroyed by the district administration.
Environmental and Health Concerns
The crackdown comes in response to serious environmental and public health concerns raised by local communities. Residents have alleged that the brick kilns were using firewood as fuel, causing significant air pollution in the area.
The environmental impact extends beyond air quality concerns:
- Threats to agricultural land from kiln operations
- Damage to local forests and biodiversity
- Toxic smoke causing respiratory diseases among local residents
Ongoing Enforcement and Future Measures
While four illegal brick kilns have been razed using bulldozers in this operation, authorities indicate that their enforcement efforts are continuing. "We were also searching some other kilns operating in the area illegally," revealed Tehsildar Sen.
The administration has issued a clear warning to all brick kiln operators in the tehsil area. "No brick kiln would be allowed to operate illegally and without environmental clearance from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB)," Sen emphasized.
Several kiln owners had been illegally manufacturing bricks in village areas during summer months without obtaining necessary permissions from the administration. The current crackdown represents a determined effort to enforce regulatory compliance and protect both environmental quality and public health in the region.
