West Bengal government today decided that none of the brick-kilns in the state would be closed in the next one year even as the National Green Tribunal has banned the digging of earth for making of bricks and roads without prior environment clearance.
"No brick-kiln will be declared closed in next one year. However, the state government will review each and every aspect along the lines of National Green Tribunal's directive," Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.
The state government will examine the situation during the next one year before taking a final call, he added.
State Agriculture Minister Purnendu Basu said that the decision was prompted by concern about the life and livelihoods of a large number of workers employed in the sector.
"The existing situation in the state should also be reviewed following the NGT directive," Basu observed.
In a blow to brick-kiln industry and road contractors, NGT recently banned digging of earth across the country for making bricks and roads without prior environment clearance.
A bench headed by Justice P Jyothimani had directed the Chief Secretaries of all the states and Union Territories to ensure that its interim order was adhered obeyed.
