Budgam: The state government on Wednesday said that it has closed down 51 brick Kilns located ahead of runway (31) of the Srinagar airport which was adding to the reduced visibility during the months of October to March.
“In adhering the Court’s direction regarding relocation of Brick Kiln located around the Airport, so that the visibility particularly during the month of October and November could be increased, the Deputy Commissioner Budgam in exercise of the powers vested under him in terms of Section 26 of J&K Brick Kiln (Regulation) Act 2010 has ordered the close down of kiln activities of 51 brick kiln owners, 34 from Tehsil Chadoora and 17 from Tehsil Budgam, identified located around Srinagar Airport,” an official spokesman said here.
Further, the spokesman said, the Director Airport has been asked to indicate the funnel area of the Airport and broad Contours of the area around which brick kilns need to be closed.
“Meanwhile the legal business units which produces dust and smoke shall also take all such measures in relocating their business as this is necessary for their continuation of business activity. Moreover the concerned Tehsildar’s of the areas, where these units could get effected would assist the concerned brick kiln owners in finding places which are most suitable for such activity,” the spokesman added.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, a division bench of the high court on August 18 had noted that the presence of smoke from Brick Kilns located ahead of runway 31 also adds to the reduced visibility during the months of October to March.
“The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, are directed to take appropriate steps for their re-location,” the court had said after being informed by the counsel for the Airports Authority of India that similar measures have been taken in different Airports of the country, so as to increase the visibility around the Airports.
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