Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Syed Riyaz Vs Union Territory of J&K dated 02/02/2024.

Compliance status of brick kilns in J&K filed by the Member Secretary, J&K PCC informed the court that the total number of brick kilns in Jammu and Kashmir is 570. Brick kilns functional with consent is 196 and without consent is 132. Closure orders issued by the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee is 146. A total of 147 brick kilns have applied for consent and are under process at various stages for accord of consent.

The NGT noted that the report revealed that there are at least 132 brick kilns operating without consent. However, the report does not mention the action taken against 132 brick kilns operating without consent.

The court, February 2, 2024 directed notice to be issued to the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Jammu & Kashmir requiring him to file response disclosing action taken for proper functioning of J&K PCC and also action taken against the brick kilns which have been set up and are operating without CTE/CTO and without following environmental norms. The court directed that response be filed by the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Jammu & Kashmir at least one week before the next date of hearing, April 8, 2024.