SANAKHEMUNDI, GANJAM: (Report- Ramakrushna Pani): Residents of Keshapur and Raghunathpur villages are raising serious concerns over the rise of illegal brick kilns in the Sanakhemundi block. Local community members allege that these operations continue to run without government permission, causing severe environmental damage and public distress.
Despite a change in the state leadership, with the BJP government now in power for over a year and a half, locals feel that authorities have failed to curb illegal businesses. While the government faces criticism over the regulation of liquor shops, the unchecked growth of illegal brick manufacturing has become a major flashpoint for the residents of Ganjam district.
"The heat from the kilns combined with the summer sun is making our lives miserable," said a local villager during a discussion at a neighborhood gathering. "We are worried about our health and the long-term impact on our environment."
In local circles, there is growing talk of a "hidden understanding" between the kiln owners and certain government officials. Many believe that the brick manufacturers are openly defying government rules because they have protection from influential figures. This has led to questions about who is truly profiting from these illegal operations while the public suffers.
Frustrated by the lack of response from block-level officials, the public is now appealing directly to the District Collector of Ganjam. The community is demanding:
Despite a change in the state leadership, with the BJP government now in power for over a year and a half, locals feel that authorities have failed to curb illegal businesses. While the government faces criticism over the regulation of liquor shops, the unchecked growth of illegal brick manufacturing has become a major flashpoint for the residents of Ganjam district.
Environmental and Health Concerns
As the summer season approaches, temperatures in the region are already rising. The operation of these kilns involves burning large quantities of fuel, which releases intense heat and thick smoke into the atmosphere. Local residents report that the air quality is deteriorating, making the heat unbearable."The heat from the kilns combined with the summer sun is making our lives miserable," said a local villager during a discussion at a neighborhood gathering. "We are worried about our health and the long-term impact on our environment."
Allegations of Corruption
The most troubling aspect for the community is the perceived silence of the local administration. Residents claim they have informed the Tehsildar and other local officials multiple times. However, no concrete action has been taken to stop the illegal activity.In local circles, there is growing talk of a "hidden understanding" between the kiln owners and certain government officials. Many believe that the brick manufacturers are openly defying government rules because they have protection from influential figures. This has led to questions about who is truly profiting from these illegal operations while the public suffers.
Demands for Immediate Action
The kiln owners continue to manufacture and transport bricks illegally, ignoring environmental safety standards. This activity is particularly rampant in the Keshapur and Raghunathpur areas under the Patiguda Panchayat.Frustrated by the lack of response from block-level officials, the public is now appealing directly to the District Collector of Ganjam. The community is demanding:
- An immediate shutdown of all unauthorized brick kilns.
- A formal investigation into why the local administration has remained silent.
- Strict enforcement of environmental protection laws in the Sanakhemundi block.
Posts
0 Comments