The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on February 22, 2022 came up with stringent standards for brick kilns via the Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2022.
- The Central Government has notified these standards in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 6 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986).
- The notification has mandated allowing brick kilns only with zig-zag technology or vertical shaft or use of piped natural gas (PNG) as fuel in the brick-making process.
Salient Features of notification
- Standard for PM emissions: 250 milligram per normal cubic metre (mg / Nm3)
- zig-zag technology: Existing brick kilns shall be converted to either zig-zag technology or vertical shaft or use of PNG as fuel in brick making within a period of one year in case of kilns located within a 10 km radius of non-attainment cities and two years for other areas
- Allowed Fuels: All brick kilns shall use approved fuel such as PNG, coal, fire wood and / or agricultural residues. Use of pet coke, tyres, plastic, hazardous waste shall not be allowed in brick kilns.
- Fugitive dust emission: Brick kilns shall follow fugitive dust emission control guidelines as prescribed by concerned SPCBs
- Road for transportation: The brick kiln owners shall ensure that the roads utilised for transporting raw material or bricks are paved
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