'Brick kilns will not be closed if air quality index improves'

Secretary Environment Protection Salman Ijaz has said that brick kilns will not be closed immediately in case of improving of air quality index. He stressed upon brick kiln owners to make their brick kilns environment friendly by converting the same on zigzag technology and get production throughout the year.

The Secretary stated this while presiding over a meeting in the committee room of environment protection department on Friday. Director General Environment Tanveer Ahmad Warriach, Director Environment Naseem-ur-Rehman, central and provincial presidents of All Pakistan Mines and Mineral Associations, owners of brick kilns and coal agents were present on this occasion.

Salman Ijaz said the government does not want unemployment of common man but to eradicate pollution. He said brick kiln owners must adopt modern technology so that environment is not harmed. After the toxic smog engulfed the provincial metropolis some three days back, DG Environment Protection Department Tanveer Ahmad Warraich in a press conference announced that the brick kilns not converted on Zig Zag technology will be closed down from November 05, 2019, to December 30, 2019. He also said that duration can be increased if situation is not improved.

Sharing the action plan, he said 12 teams were working in the provincial metropolis to curb the activities causing smog-like condition. He said during operations, anti-smog teams have sealed 155 units spreading pollution. Section 144 is also in force in the province from October 01, 2019, to stop burning of crop stubbles, tyres, rubber and other such items which could add to air pollution. He warned those violating these orders will be dealt with an iron hand.