Gop: Resentment is brewing among residents of Gop tehsil as more than 10 illegal brick kilns have come up in the area, resulting in severe air pollution. Authorities concerned, however, remain a mute spectator to the issue.
Environmentalists have opined that these brick kilns are responsible for rise in temperature in the region, as well as land degradation and air pollution. Moreover, the administration has failed to curb the menace, leaving the residents fuming.
According to reports, earlier Gop tehsilsdar had directed all the 14 revenue inspectors (RI) of the tehsil to conducted a survey on the illegal brick kilns mushrooming in the area and to submit the report at the earliest. However, the RI’s are yet to provide the probe report. A number of locals have alleged that a nexus between the revenue officials and the kiln owners is the main reason behind the increasing number of illegal kilns in the area. As some allegedly corrupt officials are receiving a handsome amount of reward from owners of illegal kilns, they prefer to remain silent on the issue.
Most of the kilns have been set up in agriculture land close to habitations, schools, temples on the road side. The brick kiln owners dig up earth to manufacture bricks in large numbers. In the process they render the land unsuitable for agriculture by degrading the fertility of the soil.
Sources alleged that rampant operation of illegal brick kilns has left large patches of fertile land barren.
Though some activists informed Gop tehisldar about the illegal activities in the region, the authorities ordered a probe into the matter but have hardly done anything to check the units.
In some cases the officials impose a minimum fine just for a show.
When contacted Gop Tehsildar Durga Charan Murmu said, “RI’s have been directed to probe the activities of illegal brick kilns in the tehsil and action will follow on illegal kiln the owners after the probe report is submitted.”
PNN
