(a) whether the brick industries led to increase Air and soil pollution in rural areas of the country;
(b) if so, whether any study has been conducted regarding the impact to agriculture due to Air and Soil pollution caused by brick industries in rural areas of the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (c) Brick kilns emit smoke and gaseous emissions from their chimneys due to burning of coal and agro-residue.
Such emissions result in air pollution and may affect agriculture and plants. Though brick kilns do not dispose any harmful pollutants on soil but brick-soil excavation causes loss of fertile top soil and affects the soil integrity. As reported by the Central Pollution Control Board, no specific study has been carried out to see the impact to agriculture due to air and soil pollution caused by brick kilns in rural areas of the country.
(d) The following steps have been taken by the Government in this regard:
# Emission quality and chimney height standards have been stipulated to minimize the impact of air pollution caused by coal consumption in brick kilns in the surrounding areas.
# State Governments allow brick kilns to establish at a certain distance from mango orchards as specified in the prescribed sitting criteria / bylaws to protect the mango orchards from the impact of air pollution caused by coal combustion in brick kiln.
# State Governments have to frame proper rules in accordance with the recommendations under Section 15 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as per Honorable Supreme Court Order dated 27.2.2012.