Stop operation of brick kiln units: Green Bench to Salem admin

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal today directed the Salem District Collector to stop operation of brick kiln units in the district.
Apart from the directive, the Tribunal, comprising judicial member Justice M Chokkalingam and expert member R Nagendrah issued notices to Commissioner, Geology Mines and Minerals and District Environmental Engineer.
The Tribunal also directed the collector to stop the excavation of sand for the units.
The direction was issued on a plea by one A Selvaraj of Iruppalli village in the district, who contended that AKM Chamber of Bricks were engaged in excavation of sand from various villages.

Counsel for petitioner submitted that the units were functioning for the past several years without obtaining permission from authorities concerned.
The excavated sand was being transported by way of tipper-lorries during night and the illegal acts have become a threat to the ecology of the area, he submitted.
The tribunal posted the matter for further hearing to October 22.