Guwahati, 8th February: Recent statistics reveal that Dhubri district hosts 126 brick kilns, a significant number of which have failed to remit revenue or royalty to the forest department over the past few years. Allegations have emerged suggesting that many brick kiln proprietors in the district have neglected to submit government royalties and permits for land usage, triggering public outcry amidst concerns over environmental pollution caused by brick kilns.
An alarming fact is that a single brick kiln can produce an estimated 20 lakh bricks annually, requiring a considerable land area. Each kiln is obligated to pay approximately Rs 5 lakh annually to the forest department for land usage permits. Despite this, many brick kiln owners underreport the land they utilize, thereby avoiding taxes and operating lucrative businesses with minimal accountability.
While some brick kiln operators allegedly engage in illegal brick sales to evade taxes, concerns persist among the public regarding the operation of kilns without proper revenue remittance. Notably, establishments like SBI Brick Industry in Basumari have reportedly failed to submit any revenue to the forest department over four consecutive financial years, raising questions about regulatory oversight.
The public is urging the Dhubri Forest Department to take decisive action against non-compliant brick kiln owners to uphold accountability and prevent further tax evasion. It is imperative that the department addresses these concerns promptly and ensures equitable enforcement of regulations across all brick kiln operations in the district. Failure to do so risks perpetuating unfair practices and depriving the government of essential revenue needed for developmental projects.
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