Brick kilns continue polluting Capitals environment.

ISLAMABAD, 23 April , 2009 (Balochistan Times) -- As the action is still awaited even after one month of the delivery of Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) to owners, the brick kilns in Islamabads vicinity continue polluting the capital. According to officials at the Environment Ministry, the EPOs were served to owners on March 18, though the Brick Kiln Association office bearer claim that they received these orders in first week of April. If even these orders were served during first week of April, the one month deadline under the EPOs is fast approaching and yet no further movement on the issue is evident. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) had issued Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) to 12 brick kilns situated in vicinity of Benazir International Airport, asking them to stop functioning or shift elsewhere within one month. The EPOs have been issued under Environmental Protection Act 1997, due to rising pollution in the area and poor visibility faced by the landing and taking off planes, the official said. When asked about legal proceedings for failing to implement EPOs, the EPA officials said, section 16 of the Environmental Protection Act provides for fine up to Rs. one million and after expiry of the deadline Rs 100,000 every day fine, for all lapsed days. If they fail to abide by, the EPA would move the Environmental Tribunal for action, the official said. He however mentioned, under the law, the brick kiln owners can also move the Environmental Tribunal for remedy within the period of the EPO. In case of non-implementation of the EPO, the official said, the EPA can also seek assistance of the ICT administration for removal of kilns, through an administrative order. Also being a stakeholder, the Capital Development Authority has mentioned to identification of land for shifting of brick kilns to Chak Beli, near Rawat on G T Road. The brick kiln owners will themselves purchase the land as CDA will not be allotting them any land, an official at the CDAs Urban Planning Wing informed. Brick kilns pollution is a lingering on issue as both the side could not reach a conclusion even after series of meetings, either to shift them to another place or introduce an alternate technology for them. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has also been continuously complaining of pollution and poor visibility claiming that it could result in serious accident. Series of meetings were held with the Brick Kiln association where the owners had assured to opt for alternative technology with zero pollution, but the implementation on their part was still awaited. Meanwhile, the complaints of illness increased due to rising pollution and emission of air pollutants like Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter for burning of coal in the kilns. Very fine particulate matters emitted from these kilns cause asthma, aggravate bronchitis and other respiratory diseases as well as reduce the bodys ability to fight infections. Other chemicals commonly found in smoke are Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHC) that may cause short-term symptoms like eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion. Long-term Exposure to PAHC may cause cataracts, damage to kidney, liver and even cancer. In view of the situation, Pak-EPA had taken cognizance and the owners were served notices under section 16 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. But, still action is awaited and the brick kilns not only continue polluting the environment but also posing serious health hazards to close by residents.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)