Mushroom growth of illegal brick kilns around coal mining areas of Belpahar revenue circle has raised serious concern among the social bodies and environmentalists in the district. Most of these kilns are run by mafia from Chhattisgarh. The kilns are not only operated by coal stolen from local BOCM, lilari and lakhanpur coalmines but they cause large-scale earth cutting on the lilari Nulah causing alarming soil erosion. Besides, the dust and smoke bellowing from these kilns also pose serious pollution hazards among the people, thanks to inaction by the State Pollution Control Board officials.
It is also alleged that the coal used to run the kilns are procured through a coal racket running in connivance with the local police. This is one of the reasons why the police are silent when complaints are lodged against continuous theft of coal. According to sources, there are about 58 brick units running on commercial basis near Rilarinala, Ghichaghat, limitikra, Belpahar and Samada Kata areas of the district. The kiln owners who have made their bases here maintain that since the locality needs bricks, brick production is inevitable.
When contacted, Brajrajnagar SDPO Churamani Nayak said that the issue needs to be inquired in detail. However, he assured of strong action if illegal kilns are in operation. On the other hand, Belpahar Revenue Inspector Somnath Sahoo told that permission for 18 bricks unit has been given, but the office is not aware of the rest units. lakhanpur Tehsildar Dolamani Patel said that action would be taken if the kilns are found violating law and indulging in illegal activities.