NGT Directs UP Govt to Keep Check on Illegal Operations of Brick Kilns

The National Green Tribunal has asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to check for illegal operation of brick-kilns to prevent polluting air in the NCR region. The bench held that brick-kiln industry alone contributes to 5-7% of PM10 emissions. It had also slammed the state Chief secretary over violating earlier orders which prohibited the activity during COVID-19 lockdown. The petitions by Journalist Shailesh Singh and others alleged 600 brick-kilns illegally-operating in Baghpat and other districts.