Brick kilns king among air pollutants

Very few of the brick kilns in Bangladesh - approximately 7,000, according to government estimates -- have been constructed following proper design and environmental rules, according to experts. And the consequences have been devastating as brick kilns are the largest source of greenhouse gases in Bangladesh, so much so that the smoke spewed out by them has been identified as one of the main factors behind the worsening quality of  air in the country. 

It is incomprehensible how these illegal activities have been allowed to sprout under the very nose of the authorities who put the blame on influential and unscrupulous brickfield owners, many of whom are allegedly operating without the approval of concerned authorities including the Department of Environment. Law stipulates that no brickfield can be set up within three kilometres of a residential or agricultural area but the restriction is seldom followed by owners who operate by means of muscle power, according to media reports. 

Much has been written on the impacts of unplanned and outdated brick kilns on human health, agriculture and environment, but it seems the government has done little to address the issue. The construction of kilns in violation of rules must be stopped immediately for sustainable development and the "Brick Making and Kiln Establishment (Control) Act 2013" should be amended and enforced to stop the use of topsoil for manufacturing bricks and providing for adoption of new technologies like silicate and concrete.