Pollution-free environment: Ministry showcases zigzag brick kiln

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to induce the brick kiln owners to convert their existing units to the ‘zigzag kiln pattern’, the environment ministry on Monday showcased a pilot project to the owners that consumes around one-third less coal and emits less hazardous gases.

There are around 18,000 brick kilns in Pakistan, of which 15,000 are consuming the local coal. Interestingly, in Pakistan thousands of brick kilns are using the conventional method of making kilns.

So far, no legislation has been adopted against them to use good technology for cutting pollution. For its zigzag kiln, which would be the first in Pakistan, the Ministry of Climate Change held on Monday a digital cutting ceremony here.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan being the chief guest while talking to the owners of brick kilns from all over the country appreciated the brick kiln sector

for becoming environment-conscious. He said the sector was ready to bring a green revolution by changing the conventional brick kilns designs to energy efficient zigzag kilns.

The conversion would ensure better working conditions for labour and surrounding community and help in reduction of coal consumption up to 30 to 40pc per kiln. It will also reduce up to 80 pc Particulate matter (PM) emission and 20 to 30pc less GHG emissions besides bringing more profit to kiln owners due to high proportion of quality bricks and almost double increase in production.

The conversion of all the kilns to zigzag kilns seems ideal but not impossible. The government will try to ensure sufficient financial and technical support for the brick kiln owners who are willing to change their brick kilns to zigzag design.

The retrofitting will also help in addressing the smog issues in Pakistan. The Ministry of Climate Change and National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority with Green Climate Fund has already prepared a project amounting to $1million on Greening of Brick kiln Sector of Pakistan covering various components for submission to Global Environment Facility and other financial resources shall also be explored to train local skilled manpower for smooth operations of kilns.

Ms. Sewa lamsal Adhikari, Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, also emphasised that Nepal will provide all support to kiln owners to move towards environment-friendly kilns.