After failed plastic ban bid, strictures on brickfields
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: February 06, 2025 -

OF all the government institutions and departments in the state, Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is probably one of the government entities which formulates plans and projects but often abandons them without actual materialisation of the objectives.

As such there is strong possibility that the latest decision of the Board to issue directive to the various brickfields operating in the state to upgrade technology, or use vertical shift or piped natural gas as the primary source of fuel within one-and-half years, too would be bereft of follow-up measures.

Briefing the media at his Lamphel DC complex office on Tuesday, MPCB chairman Dr Usham Deben confided about the Central Pollution Control Board's instruction that brickfields and stone crushing plants must upgrade system of operation to achieve the global goal environmental protection.

He suggested adoption of either 'zig-zag' technology or installation of vertical shifts and use piped natural gas within the aforementioned period of time.

The chairman further informed that brickfields should maintain a distance of one kilometre from one another and 800 metres from residential areas, adding that inspections/drives would be conducted to ensure compliance with these regulations, which means that some of the existing brickfields must relocate site of operation.

He also cautioned that in case of any complaints from people settling nearby the brickyards then the MPCB will be left with no option but cancel the no objection certificate issued to the firm concerned.

The Board's initiatives, though aimed at ensuring that the people are not exposed to health risks from air pollution, has the potential to draw flak from the brickfield operators.

Nevertheless, the chairman's assurance that MPCB would extend all possible assistance to the brickfield owners in case relocation is inevitable, would hopefully make the brickfield owners realise that such measures are meant for the wellbeing of all and not intended to harm their businesses.

Addressing other issues that fall under the purview of the board, the chairman elaborated that stone crusher plants shall have to follow prescribed guidelines such as installation of Gl sheets/MS sheets/brick walls of specific height, plantation of rows of trees, and installation of water spraying system; medical institutions should have effluent treatment plant; tyre re-treading outlets and bakeries should obtain the mandatory pollution certificates from the Board; and continuation of drive against single use plastics.

Regardless of the commendable announcements made, ineffectiveness in executing programmes and policies chalked up by the MPCB was exposed when report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released in 2016 mentioned that the board did not take proactive steps such as maintenance of inventory of polluting industries, while operation of diesel auto rickshaws even after chief minister N Biren announced during an assembly session some four years back about government plan to replace diesel auto-rickshaws with electric auto-rickshaws and introduce electric bus transport service to check pollution and traffic congestions in Imphal city sum up inefficiency of the Board when it comes to implementing pollution control policies.

Moreover, widespread use of banned plastic carry-bags and food wares testifies that MPCB has failed to fit its role as the custodian for identification, prevention, control and abatement of pollution.