Setting up brick kilns in paddy fields hits ecology

The Hindu , Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Correspondent : Staff Reporter
Residents are up in arms against violation of rules

KOCHI: Reclamation of paddy fields for setting up brick kilns has affected the ecology of various regions in Ernakulam district.

Indiscriminate extraction of clay from wetlands and reclaimed paddy fields has triggered environmental problems in these areas.

Protest

Residents of the Sreemoolanagaram, Kadungalloor and Kanjoor panchayats are opposing the move to set up brick kilns in violation of the rules and regulations.

S. Sitaraman of the Association for Environment Protection said that one of the major problems caused by brick kilns was the formation of large ditches filled with water in the reclaimed paddy fields due to unchecked extraction of clay. Referring to the environmental impact of brick kilns, he said that air pollution was a major problem, as bricks were burnt in open kilns.

Studies conducted by expert agencies including the Cochin University of Science and Technology found acute water scarcity in residential areas near the kilns.

Water from wells in these regions flowed into large ditches in the kilns. Increasing road accidents involving tipper lorries transporting bricks also evoked protests from the public.

The district administration recently imposed restrictions on the movement of tipper lorries carrying bricks to various parts of the district. But brick kiln owners and workers pointed out that the industry was hit following severe shortage of clay and the rise in price of firewood.

They urged the Government to give permission to extract clay from paddy fields lying unused for several months. "The restrictions imposed on brick kilns have affected the prospects of hundreds of workers," says Rajan, a worker in a brick kiln unit functioning near Muvattupuzha.

Prices of bricks are remaining steady.

The price remains at Rs.2,400 to Rs.2,800 per 1,000 for bricks (21x10x7- cm size). For bricks with lesser dimension at 20.5 cm, the price comes down by 10 paise per brick.

Workers said the price of clay had gone up considerably in view of the shortage for the raw material in various areas. The price of clay for a load touched Rs.3,000 and above recently.

 
SOURCE : The Hindu, Tuesday, January 10, 2007
 


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