SEPA cracks down on brick kilns usinghazardous waste

Owners warned to switch to modern, environmentally safe technologies

HYDERABAD:

With growing complaints of environmental pollution caused by brick kilns, the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) conducted personal hearings with kiln owners in Hyderabad on Thursday. Director General SEPA Waqar Hussain Phulpoto informed the owners that investigations have revealed the use of hazardous materials such as plastic, cloth, and other waste products for fuel in the kilns.

"This practice releases harmful smoke and particulate matter into the air, leading to serious health issues," he emphasised. Phulpoto warned kiln owners to immediately stop using such materials and adopt modern, environmentally friendly technologies.

He also instructed SEPA officials to initiate legal action against kilns that continue to violate environmental regulations. SEPA Hyderabad Regional In-Charge Imran Abbassi told The Express Tribune that legal cases have been prepared for two kilns, and personal hearings have been completed for five others to facilitate further proceedings.

Lab reports documenting air quality in the areas surrounding the two kilns will also be included in the case.

Abbassi added that the cases against the two kilns are expected to be filed in court next week. He noted that around 50 kilns operate in Hyderabad district alone, with the total number in the division's nine districts exceeding 200. The majority of these kilns are located in Matiari, Badin, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Jamshoro districts. The brick kilns in the region have previously attracted criticism for issues related to bonded labour.