SWABI: Thick black smoke from brick kilns in several populated areas here has been polluting the environment and making life miserable for the residents.

The people, particularly those of Gulu Dheri and Gohati villages, have urged the government to seal the kilns located in populated areas as these had been causing respiratory diseases among the residents.

Interaction with the kiln traders revealed that the establishment of brick kilns was only allowed in the rural areas. However, with the passage of time the villages expanded and now these factories are no longer away from populated areas like past.

Noorzada who established his first brick kiln in 1984 near Salim Khan Canal in Maneri Bala, said that the government should not allow establishment of brick kilns in populated areas. He said that such kilns should be set up in regions far away from residential areas.

The people who live near these factories said that usually thick black smoke engulfed their houses and fields and sometimes it became difficult for them to even inhale air smoothly. They said that they did not have the resources to shift their houses from the area.

“The people, especially children and aged people, in areas near the brick kilns have been suffering from respiratory problems and other diseases,” said Dilbar Khan of Gulu Dheri. He said that bad smell and smoke emanating from chimneys of brick kilns enveloped the entire area.

Liquat Khan of Gohati village said that they could no longer stay in the open due to smoke pollution.

Farmers of the affected area said that pollution caused by these factories had harmful effects on their crops and they were not getting the desired yield of vegetables. They said that a thick black layer was clearly visible on vegetable leaves.

The residents said that it was responsibility of the government to keep these factories under check while looking for ways and means to use gas instead of coal for brick production.

They said that the factories should not be allowed to operate in populated areas and urged the government to take action in this regard. ARRESTED: Police have arrested an alleged gang leader after exchange of fire in Saleem Khan village.

Officials said that following a tip-off a police party reached the village, but the gang members started firing on them. As a result, one policeman was injured. However, the police arrested the alleged gang leader identified as Yasir, a resident of Tarakai village. A case has been registered against them.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2017