NGT notice to Uttarakhand govt on brick kilns in Haridwar

New Delhi: An environment activist has moved the National Green Tribunal alleging that brick kilns in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district were illegally excavating soil, leading the green panel to seek response from the state government on the issue.

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.

The green bench was hearing the plea filed by Amit Kumar who contended that "eight brick kilns located in Haridwar district are operating by using the clay excavated from the place where they are located without obtaining environment clearance".

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.