National Green Tribunal Orders Closure of 350 Illegal Brick Kilns Near Wetlands
- ByAdmin --
- 24 Apr 2025 --
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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently passed a significant order directing the immediate closure of 350 illegal brick kilns situated near ecologically sensitive wetland areas. This order comes after an investigation revealed the harmful environmental consequences caused by these kilns, including air pollution and destruction of local habitats. The ruling emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement of environmental laws to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Background and Findings
Illegal brick kilns often operate without necessary clearances or environmental assessments, causing significant harm to surrounding ecosystems. The NGT's findings pointed out that the kilns, located near wetlands, were violating several environmental regulations and harming biodiversity. Key findings include:
- Air Pollution: Emissions from brick kilns, especially particulate matter, were deteriorating air quality and causing respiratory issues for nearby residents.
- Ecosystem Destruction: Mining for raw materials and the physical construction of kilns were damaging wetland areas, threatening local flora and fauna.
- Environmental Clearance Violations: Many of the kilns were operating without the required environmental clearance under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Key Laws Involved
- Environment Protection Act, 1986: This act empowers the government to take measures to protect and improve environmental quality. It mandates environmental clearances for industries, especially those involved in air or water pollution, such as brick kilns.
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This law regulates the discharge of air pollutants from industries. Brick kilns fall under this category and must comply with the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for emissions.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: If brick kilns are located near wetland areas, their activities may also breach provisions aimed at safeguarding wildlife habitats.
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act ensures that industries do not contaminate water bodies, an issue that could arise from the operations of illegal kilns situated near wetlands.
NGT's Orders
The NGT's ruling emphasized immediate corrective action to mitigate the ecological damage caused by the illegal brick kilns. Some of the critical aspects of the order include:
- Immediate Closure: The 350 brick kilns must cease operations immediately to prevent further environmental harm. The tribunal highlighted that these operations were causing substantial damage to the wetlands and local air quality.
- Restoration Efforts: The NGT has mandated that restoration activities be undertaken to rehabilitate the damaged wetland ecosystems. These efforts will include replanting vegetation, regenerating local wildlife habitats, and improving water quality.
- Adherence to Environmental Regulations: The NGT directed that all brick kilns must comply with established environmental standards. Any future operation of these kilns will require a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) to ensure minimal damage to the environment.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: The tribunal also recommended imposing penalties on the individuals or companies responsible for operating the illegal kilns. The local authorities have been tasked with ensuring that all violations are addressed, and the necessary actions are taken against offenders.
Implications of the Order
This order marks a significant step in ensuring that industries comply with environmental standards. Some key implications include:
- Strengthening Environmental Regulations: The NGT's decision reinforces the importance of complying with environmental laws and regulations. It signals that industries causing pollution will face stringent scrutiny and penalties for violations.
- Protection of Wetlands: Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that help in water filtration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity preservation. By closing these illegal brick kilns, the NGT is contributing to the protection of these vital resources.
- Compliance with EIA Process: The ruling underscores the need for industries to undergo comprehensive environmental assessments before beginning operations. This is in line with the goals of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, which ensures that potential environmental risks are evaluated and mitigated before industrial activities commence.
The NGT’s order to shut down 350 illegal brick kilns serves as a pivotal moment in the fight for environmental protection in India. By emphasizing compliance with environmental laws such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the NGT is reinforcing the need for sustainable industrial practices. This ruling not only holds violators accountable but also prioritizes the restoration of damaged ecosystems. Moving forward, industries must ensure that their activities are in line with India’s environmental laws, safeguarding public health and natural resources for future generations.
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