Action against 45 brick kilns afoot

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has ordered an immediate crackdown and sealing of brick kilns that have failed to install environment-friendly zigzag technology despite the start of the anti-smog season.

The Environment Protection and Climate Change Department has failed to implement zigzag technology in 45 kilns in the major market of Gujar Khan.

However, 40 kilns in Lusar and Mandra — Rawalpindi's other major kiln markets — have completed installation.

With zigzag technology, brick production in Lusar and Mandra has gained momentum. Meanwhile, not a single kiln in Gujar Khan has installed the technology despite red notices.

Out of approximately 150 kilns in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, 90-95 have adopted zigzag technology, while around 60 still lack compliance.

Taking strict notice, the DC ordered that all kilns without zigzag technology be sealed and bulldozed, noting that the absence of this system is significantly contributing to worsening air pollution in Rawalpindi.