JORABAT, Dec 21 - As many as 15 brick kilns on the city outskirts are flouting various safety and environmental norms, a survey conducted by the Dimoria unit of All Assam Students� Union (AASU) has found.
A press release by the student organisation stated that the brick kilns have been running without valid clearance from the authorities and in the survey it was also found that these industries were flouting environmental mandates.
Jatindra Nath Deka, president of the Dimoria unit of AASU, said many the brick kilns here are generating a lot of pollution and hence the State government should seek an inspection report about their compliance to environmental norms.
The survey has also found that these brick kilns are engaging child labour.
�It may also be mentioned that a few brick kilns are located close to human habitation and due to the neglect of the authorities, a few of them have been set up on agricultural as well as government land, which should be evicted,� he added.
Dipu Zena Sharma, general secretary of the Dimoria unit of AASU, said that though an important part of the construction sector, brick kilns contribute a huge amount of soot and dust to the environment which impact the nearby vegetation and health of the people.
The authorities concerned should issue closure notice or slap fines on the brick kilns flouting norms with immediate effect, he added.
Dibyajyoti Medhi, adviser to the Dimoria unit, said, �We have conducted the survey by visiting these kilns after reading the norms specified by the department concerned.�
The student organisation also alleged that these kilns do not have proper documents of the labourers working in them, which poses a threat to the safety of the region, as such people, hailing from a neighbouring country, are often found to be indulging in antisocial activities.
Raising all these issues, a memorandum was submitted in this regard to the State Industry Minister, the Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner, Police Commissioner of Guwahati City, Pollution Control Board, Assam, DCP East Kamrup, DFO East Kamrup, Sonapur Forest Officer and also to the Officer-in-Charge of the Sonapur Police Station, through the Sonapur Revenue Circle Officer here.
Commenting on this issue, Dhruva Jyoti Hazarika, Sonapur Circle Officer, said investigation will be conducted on all the allegations made by the AASU unit and strict action will be taken against the brick kiln owners if any of the norms has been flouted.
An FIR will also be filed against such kilns or owners if needed, he added.