Making brick kilns eco-friendly

It is rather unsettling to find that of the reported 9700 brick kilns in the country; almost half are operating illegally without proper clearance from the Department of Environment (DoE). The recent find also highlights that since such a large number of brick making institutions don’t have an official go-ahead, they stand to pollute the environment, leading to serious health hazards.

In a country where 25 million bricks are currently manufactured, the carbon emission is 15 million tonnes – a staggering amount without doubt. Since the country is waking up to the need for green technology in all sectors, the sooner kilns start using eco-friendly technology the better. Unfortunately, we find that the outlawed drum and fixed chimneys are still in operation instead of the preferred zigzag or the hybrid Hoffman ones. However, there is reason for hope because, reportedly, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Bangladesh Bank have earmarked $50 million and Tk2 billion respectively to provide as soft loans to brick kiln owners so that they may install green technology.

Obviously, the loan will act as an incentive though many unscrupulous owners will try to take the money at low interest to use for something else. This is where the authority needs to be vigilant. Loans on easy terms need to be handed out with the clause that once the environment friendly technology is in place, the kiln owner must place a request for inspection. Failing to do so within a specified time should result in a fine, to be collected by the Department of Environment with the help of the police station of the respective area. At the same time, for any new application for kilns, green technology has to be made mandatory.

Since the government has taken green initiatives in several sectors including leather and building construction, it needs to have an infallible system in place so there isn’t any way to circumvent the law. One other alley to explore is to invite overseas experts to sensitise kiln owners via seminars plus workshops. On a larger scale, Bangladesh needs to experience multi-dimensional eco-friendly campaigns in cities, villages and towns with colourful events held at school, colleges and other academic premises. The idea is to create awareness among future generation of the country, so when they become entrepreneurs, the importance of preserving nature will always be one of their priorities.

In a densely populated country, collective consciousness is vital to safeguard our environment.

 

Making brick kilns eco-friendly

It is rather unsettling to find that of the reported 9700 brick kilns in the country; almost half are operating illegally without proper clearance from the Department of Environment (DoE). The recent find also highlights that since such a large number of brick making institutions dont have an official go-ahead, they stand to pollute the environment, leading to serious health hazards. In a country where 25 million bricks are currently manufactured, the carbon emission is 15 million tonnes a staggering amount without doubt. Since the country is waking up to the need for green technology in all sectors, the sooner kilns start using eco-friendly technology the better. Unfortunately, we find that the outlawed drum and fixed chimneys are still in operation instead of the preferred zigzag or the hybrid Hoffman ones. However, there is reason for hope because, reportedly, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Bangladesh Bank have earmarked $50 million and Tk2 billion respectively to provide as soft loans to brick kiln owners so that they may install green technology. Obviously, the loan will act as an incentive though many unscrupulous owners will try to take the money at low interest to use for something else. This is where the authority needs to be vigilant. Loans on easy terms need to be handed out with the clause that once the environment friendly technology is in place, the kiln owner must place a request for inspection. Failing to do so within a specified time should result in a fine, to be collected by the Department of Environment with the help of the police station of the respective area. At the same time, for any new application for kilns, green technology has to be made mandatory. Since the government has taken green initiatives in several sectors including leather and building construction, it needs to have an infallible system in place so there isnt any way to circumvent the law. One other alley to explore is to invite overseas experts to sensitise kiln owners via seminars plus workshops. On a larger scale, Bangladesh needs to experience multi-dimensional eco-friendly campaigns in cities, villages and towns with colourful events held at school, colleges and other academic premises. The idea is to create awareness among future generation of the country, so when they become entrepreneurs, the importance of preserving nature will always be one of their priorities. In a densely populated country, collective consciousness is vital to safeguard our environment.