Brickfields near schools pose health risks

This newspaper yesterday published an alarming report that nearly half a dozen brickfields in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar are situated adjacent to schools. The students are, therefore, exposed to the black clouds of toxic smoke that these kilns spew out. Experts say this fume is heavy with toxins that could lead to various health problems such as pneumonia, allergies and other respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, this scenario is more or less the same all across the country, especially in rural areas.

In this particular case of Kamalganj, it is reassuring that the local administration has set up a committee following complaints and protests by locals.

The fact, however, remains that these kilns were allowed to be set up in breach of the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kilns Establishment (Control) Act. The Act restricts setting up of a brick kiln within one kilometre of educational institutions, among other things. While issuing the license, the local administration should have been careful in examining whether the proposed brick kilns would comply with the law. 

Brick kiln owners in rural areas tend to be well connected politically. That is why so many illegal brick kilns still operate under the authorities' nose. As evident in Moulvibazar's case, these illegal brickfields pose a serious threat to public health and contribute to environmental degradation.

The local authorities must evaluate environmental and health risks before permitting new brick kilns to be set up. In addition, the government should encourage environment-friendly brick manufacturers and set a deadline within which existing manufacturers must ensure full compliance or face eviction.