Keonjhar: Illegal brick kilns have come up along NH-20 on the outskirts of Keonjhar. Despite legal restrictions, the revenue department has not taken action against such brick-making units, which are badly polluting the atmosphere.
Besides, these units are ruining the greenery of nearby Gobara and Patarapani hills. Sometimes under pressure from locals, the administration just imposes fine on the units, it is alleged.
Reports said, pits and craters have been created all over the region due to wanton earth quarrying.
The brick kiln owners have cleared patches of forests and plain land at the foothills of Sidhhamath and Atibudhipada where they have set up their units. They have dumped coals and wood at the place for baking bricks.
Local environmentalists expressed concern that due to rampant mining of earth, the area has been facing soil erosion, damage to forests while black smokes emanating from the units pollute the atmosphere.
Besides, the illegal units have posed serious danger to the survival of reptiles and wild animals living in the area, they pointed.
They demanded that the forest department should take stern action against the brick kiln owners who are reportedly get protection from the revenue department.
Several quarters demanded that steps be taken to stop brick making in Sidhhamatha and Puruna Bazaar areas.
