Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding brick fields in West Bengal, 05/11/2020

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Bengal Brick Field Owner’s Association Vs West Bengal Pollution Control Board dated 05/11/2020.

The NGT in its order of August 6, 2020 had directed the CPCB and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) to carry out a carrying capacity study in the state with specific preference to areas where the brick fields are concentrated within a period of three months. But the report has not yet been filed.

The WBPCB requested further time of four months to complete the task as the exercise could not be undertaken during the monsoons during which the brick fields are not operational. The NGT accepting the request said that the report on the carrying capacity studies be filed by February 28, 2021. All the brick fields have been asked to complete the process for adoption of the zigzag technology within a set time period.