Bengal brick kilns to operate as non-mining entities: H K Dwivedi

16 Sep 2021 CW Team

H K Dwivedi, Chief Secretary, told the media that the West Bengal cabinet has decided to allow brick kilns to operate as non-mining entities if they get involved in an excavation of about 1.5 metres deep.

He further added that the state was simplifying the norms for the kilns' registration, due to which many unregistered kilns can be brought into the ambit of government monitoring. Change in the norms can also help the kilns to get several incentives from the state as they will be employing thousands of individuals.

He said that the kilns used to face problems in getting clearance from the environmental department, but now, their classification as non-mining entities have made it easy. But, if the kiln's excavation goes beyond the stipulated 1.5 metres depth, it will be regarded as a mining activity.

The state cabinet amended the minor mineral rules to help the small businessmen in getting financial support in operating the kilns if they are registered with the government. This initiative will also help increase the revenue and control illegal operations, Dwivedi said.

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