Though the State Government has notified the use of fly ash bricks in construction of all Government buildings banning the use of burnt-clay bricks, yet in Umarkote block in Nabarangpur district, the rule has gone for a toss.
The contractors who have undertaken the construction works of Government buildings are using massive burnt-clay bricks without caring for the statutory instruction. The Government has strictly banned the use of burnt-clay bricks to check environment pollution and promote environment-friendly products.
It is alleged that the whole thing happens in connivance with the concerned JE. In order to supply the burnt-clay bricks to these contractors, a large number of illegal brick kilns continue to thrive in locality in gross violation of all environmental norms and the local Revenue officials have turned a blind eye to the menace.
Most of the brick kilns have been set up in agriculture land, close to human inhabitations. The operators prefer the summer season for intensifying brick making as the drying process of clay is easier.
They also draw groundwater illegally. While use of wood in brick kilns is one of the causes of deforestation, a huge volume of carbon dioxide emitted from burning of coal and wood is polluting the atmosphere, thereby causing respiratory related diseases in the localities.
The kilns generate enormous heat and add to temperature rise in their vicinity, said Parsuram Patro, an environment activist. The regular movement of vehicles, especially trucks and tractors to transport the bricks, has damaged rural roads, apart from causing air pollution, he added.
He further said if the administration failed to take immediate step to curb such illegal things despite the repeated complaints, then he would file a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Orissa High Court for redressal of the grievance.