Boko, Assam: A surge in unauthorized brick kilns, particularly in the Haribhanga area of Assam’s Boko district, has ignited concerns among local residents. These Bengali-style kilns, operating without the requisite permissions, have proliferated across the region, posing significant environmental and public health risks.
The unchecked expansion of these kilns, which number in the hundreds, has raised questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. Despite the potential for severe air pollution and other ecological damage, the Kamrup district administration and the Assam Pollution Control Board have yet to take decisive action to address the issue.
The proliferation of these illegal kilns extends to other areas such as Hekara, Silobari, Tarabari, Damalchowch, Balizhar, Ghilibari, and Nalapara. Many of these kilns are situated near schools, roads, and densely populated areas, exacerbating the concerns over air pollution and safety hazards.
The lack of regulatory enforcement has emboldened operators to continue their activities, disregarding environmental norms. Local residents are increasingly worried about the long-term implications of this unchecked expansion on their health and the environment. Urgent intervention is necessary to curb the operations of these illegal brick kilns and ensure environmental sustainability.
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