A bench headed by Justice U D Salvi issued notices to Uttarakhand government and Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board seeking their replies by January 6.
"Particulars of seeking the raw material clay shall be placed on record by the applicant. However, presently we believe the statement made by the counsel and issue notice to the respondents authorities...Issue notice to CEO, Zila Panchayat district Haridwar," the bench said.
Advocate General of Uttarakhand U K Uniyal told the bench that the licensing authority - the zila panchayat of Haridwar - grants licences for running the brick kilns.
He further said the licensing authority is responsible for enforcement of the conditions like there shall be no excavation of clay without obtaining environment clearance and it is necessary to issue notice to the CEO of zila panchayat Haridwar.