Sajanagad: Some brick kilns have been operating within the eco sensitive zone of the Kuldiha sanctuary under Nilagiri tehsil of Balasore. They are allegedly posing a threat to the ecology of the Kuldiha sanctuary.
Whenever the administration takes up steps to remove the brick kilns, it had to face opposition from local labourers and brick kiln owners, it is said. The administration had also tried to pull down brick making units Thursday, but had to return empty-handed due to local resistance.
In fact, these brick kilns have become a source of livelihood for scores of people in the area. These brick kilns and illegal stone mining have been posing threat to the ecology of this sanctuary.
The administration had tried to pull down the brick Kilns Thursday, but failed in its effort. The administration has imposed prohibitory order under section 144 in the area. There are about 14 brick kilns operating in the area.
Burning of bricks allegedly push temperature in the area while fuel wood is collected from forest. Notably, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change had come out with a notification August 9, 2017, stressing protection of wildlife and the Kuladiha sanctuary.
Thereafter, the forest department demarcated an area of 219.18 square/km as Kuladiha eco-sensitive zone. At that time, the forest department identified 14 brick kilns coming under the eco-sensitive zone.
Expressing concern over the operation of the brick kilns in the zone, Nilagiri MLA Sukant Nayak had raised the issue in the Assembly. A few months ago, the Balasore DFO had apprised the Collector about the issue.
Collector K Sudarshana Chakraborty had ordered demolition of the brick kilns, but the officials had to face opposition of some locals, brick kiln owners and labourers. It may be noted here that the administration had earlier taken such a move to demolish brick kilns, but had failed.
The MLA has suggested to settle the issue by holding talks with locals and brick kiln owners.
PNN
