Patapur/Podamari: Number of illegal brick-kilns is on the steady rise at several places in Ganjam district, as the administration appears to have turned a blind eye towards the problem.
It is not only locals, even traders from Andhra Pradesh are setting up such kilns at a number of places in the district, taking advantage of the uncaring attitude of the administration. Besides causing loss of revenue these illegal kilns are also source of heavy environmental pollution.
Even as most blocks in the district have become sort of hubs of illegal brick-kilns, Sanakhemundi block tops the list. Towns like Kankorada, Karakhandi, Adapada, Nistupur, Bhalyajhola, Sumantpur, Palaspur, Lunilathi, Usta, Moulabhanja, Patiguda, Podamari and Kansamari under Sanakhemundi block have hundreds of brick-kilns that are reportedly operating without any permission from the administration.
The unchecked mushrooming of the units has now become a matter of concern for the residents.
Presence of a large number of brick-kilns is adversely impacting the soil and underground water sources, not to mention the deterioration in air quality around them.
Sources claim that the brick-kiln owners lure poor farmers and acquire their lands for operating the kilns without obtaining any kind of license.
As per official records only 11 brick-kilns in the block are operating with prior permission, while the rest, numbering hundreds are in business without any official permission.
When contacted Sanakhemundi tehsildar Pragyanshree Priyamda said that she was aware of the issue and will soon ensure that units that are operating without obtaining official clearance will be shut down. PNN