Brick-kilns told to follow laws

The district administration has issued notices for fixed price of bricks, registration of brick-kiln workers with the social security institution, and implementation of environmental laws.

Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bhatti, following complaints of rising prices of bricks, convened a meeting of brick kiln owners where it was decided to fix rates in accordance with the markets in other areas, as well as to register the brick kilns in Badin.

According to estimates, there are 111 small and large brick kilns in the district. DC Bhatti said that brick kilns will be registered, and the labourers working therein will also be registered with the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI), which will provide the workers with free medical facilities.

He instructed the assistant commissioners to visit the brick kilns in their respective tehsils and collect complete details, including the number of workers, the environmental impact of the kilns, the materials used as fuel, and the total cost of producing the bricks. After collecting all this data, the price of bricks will be fixed next week.

He also directed the kiln owners to fully comply with the guidelines issued by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and to implement the Child Labour Act as well.

At this occasion, Assistant Director of Environment Abdul Salam Sammo stated that there is a continuous increase in air pollution due to the brick kilns, primarily because they use discarded plastic, leather, and cloth are burned to prepare the bricks. He added that burning plastic releases hazardous gases, which are extremely harmful to the workers at the kilns and to the humans and animals living nearby. Only environmentally friendly fuel should be used in the brick kilns.