Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Thursday said that no new brick kiln permits will be issued to prevent air pollution.
A total of 3,491 brick kilns without environmental clearance will be closed. All brick kilns built illegally in hilly areas will be shifted, she said these at a view-exchange meeting with the leaders of the Department of Environment and Bangladesh Brick Manufacturing Owners Association (BBMOA) in the conference room of the Ministry.
In the meeting, there was a detailed discussion about environment-friendly brick production, modernization of brick kilns and reduction of carbon emissions.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan expressed deep concern over the environmental impact of brick kilns and said that only building construction is not enough, we have to ensure habitable environment for future generations.She also said that the average life expectancy of people is decreasing by 5-7 years due to air pollution. Therefore, no brick kiln can be operated without license and permit.
BBMOA leaders highlighted the challenges faced by the brick industry and suggested adoption of environment-friendly technology. Requested government's cooperation to encourage the use of green technology in brick kilns and gave a memorandum to the adviser.
In the meeting, the Scretary of the Ministry of Environment, Additional Secretary, Director General of the Department of Environment, President of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Brick Manufacturing Owners Association Feroz Haider Khan and the leaders from central and different districts spoke.
