Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Hakam Singh & Others Vs State of Rajasthan & Others dated 11/07/2022.

Question for consideration was compliance of environmental norms by the brick kilns in Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan. Particular grievance is absence of requisite consents under the Air and the Water Acts and siting criteria, resulting in violation of law and air pollution to the detriment of public health and the environment.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in its report to the NGT, April 18, 2022 said that 286 brick kilns were situated in the entire 10 tehsils of Sriganganagar district. The brick kilns were monitored for consented emission standard of 750mg/NM3 by the CPCB and the RSPCB. 165 brick kilns were found operational without consent to operate (CTO) and the SPCB recommended recovery of environmental compensation from them.

The report by the CPCB recommended that the operation of brick kilns in major clusters viz. Suratgarh, Jaitsar, Srivijaynagar, Raisinghnagar and Anupgarh tehsils needs to be regulated by restricting consented production or duration of operation. Further, the operation of brick kilns should be allowed to operate from January to June to  restrict the production as per the consented quantity. Brick Manufacturer’s Association has been asked to conduct a study on use of crop residue briquette/pelleting for higher thermal input and reduction of pollution.

Taking into consideration the report by the CPCB, the NGT directed that further action should be taken by the state PCB following due process.