Brick kiln flouting norms with impunity in Boko

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

Boko, January 22: Even though as per The Assam Brick Kilns Establishment and Regulation Rules 2013, a brick kiln unit can be set up at least 500 meters away from the path of any tural water as well as from river bank and no top soil from these areas within the vicinity of 500 meters, be extracted for making the green bricks (Kutcha rricks) as the top soil is necessary for ensuring stability of river bank, at Tarabari, 10 kms from Boko, a brick kiln was set up on the bank of river Singra, which is less than 100 meter from the river and also using top soils which is within the vicinity of 500 meters.

But despite apparent violation of the Assam Brick Kilns Establishment and Regulation Rules 2013, the authorities concerned has not taken any steps against the brick kiln, which can also, polluted the water of the river.

In another discrepancy the hospital is situated around 200 meter (aerial distance) from the kiln, but as per above act the aerial distance of brick kilns shall be at least 500 meters from the areas like registered hospital, school etc.

Not only that a veteriry hospital and schools also situated within 500 meters radius from the kilns.

Moreover, as per the regulation rules 2013, the brick kiln shall be allowed only on such land which is certified as Non Agricultural land by the concerned Circle Officer of revenue departments of the Government.

Tarabari brick kiln is located on agricultural land only. As per norms, for setting up a brick kiln, a green belt development needs to done all along the periphery of the brick field with local trees and bamboo etc. But the Tarabari kiln has failed to fulfill this requirement.