In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has included the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as a party in a hearing concerning a petition challenging the Punjab government’s mandate. This mandate requires that 20% of the total fuel used in brick kilns across Punjab must be straw-based.
The petition, filed by the Punjab Brickkiln Owners Association, outlines concerns over the government’s directive, which was introduced amidst ongoing use of coal as per central government guidelines. The association argues that the shift to straw-based fuel, which is five times more expensive than coal and only seasonally available, would adversely affect its members. They claim that such a requirement is not only financially burdensome but also impractical due to the seasonal availability of straw.
Highlighting the economic impact, the petition states, “The use of straw-based fuel, being significantly more costly than coal, places an undue financial strain on our members. Additionally, its limited availability makes it an unreliable source of fuel.”
In response to the government’s enforcement actions against kilns not complying with the order, the High Court had previously issued a stay on the closure of such facilities, acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry. The recent move to involve the CPCB aims to bring environmental considerations to the forefront, ensuring that the board’s expertise and policies on pollution control are taken into account as the court deliberates on the matter.
