Deadline set for brick kilns to go high tech

Minister says kilns can minimise effects of burning coal and reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Environment Protection Muhammad Rizwan said that in order to control environmental pollution, all traditional brick kilns should be converted to the Zigzag technology by the end of December 2019.

He was addressing a meeting at the Environment Protection Department (EPD) committee room on Thursday.

The minister said that the use of zigzag technology in the construction and operations of kilns can minimise the environmental effects of burning coal and reduce fuel consumption by 30%.

He directed Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) authorities to expedite the process of training of brick kiln owners and complete all arrangements as soon as possible.  He urged kiln owners in Punjab to adopt this technology without any fear or hesitation as it gives better quality bricks and reduces coal consumption.

Deadline for sealing brick kilns extended for another week

EPD Secretary Asad Gillani pledged the full support of his department to the association, both in terms of human and capital resources for the conversion of all traditional brick kilns.

Speaking on the occasion, President All Pakistan Brick Kiln Owners Association Muhammad Shoaib Khan Niazi said that around 226 brick kilns have been converted to zigzag technology. He also requested for technical and financial assistance to help other kilns for adopt this technology.

All Pakistan Brick Kiln Owners Association General Secretary Mehr Abdul Haq and other office bearers also attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2019.