75% brick kilns converted to zigzag technology

Around 75 per cent traditional brick kilns have been converted to zigzag technology across the district so far. Deputy Director Environment Zafar Iqbal said that the all old technology brick kilns causing air pollution were closed as per directions of the Punjab government.

During the crackdown, only the brick kilns adopting the zigzag technology were allowed to work.

The official said, “The district administration had conducted meetings with brick kiln owners and convinced them for conversion of traditional brick kilns on latest technology.”

He further remarked that there were 492 brick kilns across the district and about 375 had been converted to zigzag.

Iqbal explained that there were technical issues at brick kilns after conversion to the latest technology and the department’s teams provided guidance to the workers. “The conversion of all brick kilns on latest technology will be completed by the end of current month,” he added.

He said that training was also given to the workers about zigzag brick kiln functions. Five surveillance teams are monitoring the brick kilns regularly.

He elaborated, “Punjab government has offered loan under Apna Rozgaar scheme and the brick kiln owners may avail the opportunity to convert their units.

The loan of up to Rs1 million is being given through Punjab Bank.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2021.