Illegal brick-kilns continue unabated in Odisha, residents bear the brunt of pollution

Illegal brick kilns are proliferating in the Balasore district of Odisha, raising serious health and environmental concerns. The district's Jaleswar, Nilgiri, and Naharpatna are heavily populated with these unlicensed operations, contributing significantly to air pollution and environmental degradation. 

Operating under vague regulatory conditions, these kilns are alleged to be run by influential figures profiting at the environment's expense. Residents, particularly in rural areas, are bearing the brunt of this air pollution.

Violation of Environmental Norms

In gross breach of environmental guidelines, these brick kilns source raw materials, such as soil, from near the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. Reports also indicate that wood and coal are used illicitly to fuel these operations.

While local authorities have conducted raids and imposed fines, the measures have proven inadequate in tackling the issue's scale. Although some kilns have been dismantled, further enforcement is necessary to safeguard public health, said locals.

“There are over 40 illegal brick-kilns that are operating in Remuna and Sadar areas. We have knocked on the doors of the administration in this regard, but to no avail. They claim to take action but it's just eye-wash. They have also taken up government lands,” alleged Pranati Jena, Sarpanch, Dahapada Panchayat.

Unchecked Brick Kilns Not Limited to Balasore:

The illegal brick kilns are not only limited to Balasore. They are also proliferating across the rural landscapes of the Bhadrak district, sparking alarm over escalating air pollution and adverse health impacts. Despite stringent regulations prohibiting such activities, these clandestine operations persist with alleged little to no intervention from local authorities.

In areas like Nalabank, Sirmagadia, and Kshempur within Basudevpur Tehsil, there is a noticeable surge in these unlawful brick manufacturing sites. Many of these kilns operate openly alongside major roads. The incursion of these illegal operations into community spaces and even government-owned lands highlights the urgent need for regulatory enforcement.

Brick-kiln Owners’ Response:

However, the brick-kiln owners claimed that they had to resort to the illegal business as there are no other income sources in the area.

“There is no source of income for tribals here. All they can do is labour or work in the brick kilns. This isn’t a profitable business. We have faced losses, but we are sticking to it as this is our only source of income,” a brick-kiln owner claimed.