94% kilns converted to zigzag technology

As many as 94% of traditional brick kilns have been converted on zigzag technology across the district so far. Deputy Director Environment Zafar Iqbal said that 455 out of a total of 492 brick kilns across the district have been converted on zigzag while 37 remaining brick kilns will be shifted by next week. These brick kilns were those given on lease or have some other issues. He said that all old technology brick kilns and the polluting industry is closed as per directions of the Punjab government.

He said it was witnessed that there was a shortage of skilled labour to run the brick kilns on modern technology and brick kilns owners trying to get their labour trained with self-help. He said that five surveillance teams were monitoring the brick kilns regularly. Zafar said Punjab government had offered a loan under Apna Rozgaar scheme and the brick kilns owners could avail the opportunity. A loan of up to Rs 1 million was being given through Punjab Bank. The deputy director said that about 30 brick kiln owners had applied for the loan in the district so far and urged the brick kilns owners to avail the opportunity