Dhubri, Jan. 7: The Bilasipara Anchalik AASU, spearheading the movement against the brick kilns, has given the Dhubri district administration a fortnight to investigate the alleged violation of norms by brick kilns owners.

Goalpara deputy commissioner P. Ashok Babu imposed a ban on brick kilns on the ground of violation of pollution control norms and the Supreme Court verdict.

On paper, there are 65 brick kilns in Dhubri district — 13 in Dhubri subdivision, 42 brick fields only in Bilasipara subdivision and 10 in South Salmara-Mancachar subdivision. However, AASU sources alleged there are no less than 120 brick kilns in the district, of which half do not have administrative approval.

The convener of the AASU unit, Zakir Hussain, alleged that brick kilns were being opened in Bilasipara subdivision without permission from the administration and pollution control board.

Hussain also alleged that owners of brick kilns have not been maintaining the mandatory 500-metre distance from national highways.

“We have submitted a memorandum to the Bilasipara sub-divisional officer (civil) demanding an inquiry into the brick kilns and a report within 15 days,” Hussain added. He warned that if the district administration did not take action against the illegal brick manufacturers within January 20, they would be compelled to launch an agitation. However, the Goalpara deputy commissioner, in an order issued to all the circle officers on December 24 last year, had directed the demolition of all brick kilns established on forest and government land in Goalpara district.

Ashraful Alom, a social activist of Goalpara town, said citizens of Goalpara district had long been demanding the ban on Bangle bhata (a method used by Bengal brick kiln manufacturers). “The deputy commissioner banned the brick kilns but only those erected on forest and government land,” Alom said.