Shillong, March 14 Authorities in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya banned the operation of unauthorized brick kilns on Saturday, citing concerns over air pollution and health risks to workers and local residents.
The order was issued by District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, who said that the National Green Tribunal has mandated the closure of brick kilns operating without environmental clearance to ensure safe air quality levels.
"It has come to our attention that several unauthorized brick kilns were operating in the district, posing serious health risks to workers and contributing to air pollution," Aggarwal stated.
If the operation of such kilns is allowed to continue, it would adversely affect the air quality in the area and have a detrimental impact on the health of workers as well as the local population, the order stated.
"In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, the operation of all unauthorized brick kilns in the entire West Garo Hills district is hereby prohibited with immediate effect," the order said.
Considering the urgency of the matter, the directive was issued ex parte and has come into force immediately, it added.