Shillong: All unauthorised brick kilns operating across West Garo Hills have been ordered by the district administration to close down immediately, as they pose serious health issues to workers and contribute to air pollution.The order under Section 163 BNSS 2023, passed by district magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal on Saturday, came in the wake of the National Green Tribunal’s mandate for strict action against such polluting brick kilns lacking environmental clearance.Aggarwal in a statement said it had been brought to his notice that several unauthorised brick kilns were operating in the district without the required environmental clearance, raising concerns about their impact on air quality, worker safety and the health of nearby communities.“If an order is not passed to close the operation of such brick kilns, the air quality of the surrounding areas is bound to deteriorate, thereby having an adverse impact on the health of the local population and the workers at the camp,” the DC said.
