Environmentalists have raised serious concerns over the rampant operation of several illegal brick kilns in the jungles around Soro in Balasore.
Allegations were received from Karanjagia, Singakhunta, Rangamatia and Hatikhulia areas in the district where many brick kilns have allegedly been operating illegally since many years. This in turn is polluting the environment, forests particularly.
As per reports, despite repeated complaints from locals and environmentalists, the local administration has turned a blind eye towards the clear and present ecological danger.
Puranjan Panda, a local resident, told OTV, “We have urged the Tehsildar many a times to close down these illegal kilns which are polluting the atmosphere. But nobody seems to be hearing us. No action has been taken so far and the kilns are operating with impunity.”
Kanhu Charan Behera, an environmentalist, said, “Residents of Soro and the adjoining places are facing many problems due to these illegal brick kilns. The air has become hotter and jungles have thinned over the years.”
Lawyer, Niranjan Jena said, “The Forest Department has completely failed in providing security to Forest land. This should be probed and the responsible persons should be tried as per law.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the United Nations General Assembly announced March 21 as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.