Kulgam, Jan 12 — Brick kiln owners in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district have approached Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking urgent relief from environmental penalties and delays in operating clearances, saying prolonged uncertainty could push thousands of workers out of jobs.
In a detailed representation to the Lieutenant Governor, the kiln owners asked for a waiver of environmental compensation, extension of consent to operate and their inclusion under the 2008–2009 siting guidelines, which govern where such units can function.
“We, the brick kiln owners of Kulgam district, come to you with respect and hope. We have followed all pollution rules since 2014. We installed zig-zag technology and paid all fees, but the consents have not yet been provided,” the letter reads.
They said they had upgraded their kilns to zig-zag technology — a cleaner and more efficient firing method mandated by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) — and deposited all required charges, yet approvals were still pending.
“Tough conditions like bad weather, security issues and low selling prices set by the government have stopped our work. Our season is only two to three months, which has hurt us badly. Families and workers need your help,” the owners wrote.
Seeking immediate relief, the letter added: “We kindly request waiver of environmental compensation, extension of consent to operate, consideration of these kilns under the 2008/2009 siting guidelines, and urgent steps to save jobs. A timely decision will protect families and reduce job losses. We assure full compliance with all JKPCC rules.”
Workers dependent on the kilns said the uncertainty has already pushed them to the edge.
“If the kilns are shut, our families will suffer badly. This is our only source of livelihood,” said a labourer working at one of the units.
Another worker echoed the concern. “Thousands of workers depend on these kilns. The government should give time and relaxation within the rules so people can earn and survive,” he said.
Arshid Ahmad, another kiln worker, urged authorities to rethink closures. “The government should help create employment, not take it away. We want work, not relief,” he said, calling on the Pollution Control Board to withdraw the closure orders.
The workers and kiln owners have appealed to the administration, including the Lieutenant Governor and the National Conference-led government, to take what they called a humanitarian and practical approach to prevent large-scale job losses in the district.