In a drive conducted by administration along with a CRPF team, two brick kilns have been seized in last two days acting on the allegations received by a section of concerned people of the soceity.
It must be mentioned that the Dimoria unit of All Assam Students' Union(AASU) submitted a memorandum to the administration on 21st December last year, demanding strict action against the irregularities of the brick kilns. Unfortunately, no action was taken against the kilns voilating norms, which in-turn irked the students' union to raise the issue once again to the administration on Tuesday.
Acting on the strong allegations made by the students' union, the Sonapur revenue circle officer, Dr. Dhrubajyoti Hazarika had seized two brick kilns, namely S.R.I Bricks Industry and RNB Brick Industry, which were violating norms set up for the running of the kilns.
According to the circle officer, RNB brick kiln situated in Kurkuria near Sonapur was seized today, as it had largely encroached government land and had been running without proper documents.
It must be mentioned that on tuesday RNB Brick Industry came into light for forcefully indulging labourers in their kiln paying low wages contrary to the promised amount by the kiln's contactor. The labourers-including women- alleged that they were mentally and physically abused and were also not allowed to go out of the kiln.
The S.R.I Brick Industry was seized on Tuesday for having Tin chimney instead of brick chimney, violating the norms.
Dr. Hazarika, said that we have just started the drive and all the kilns with irregularities will have to face the consequences for not complying with the norms set for their working.
"The kiln's owners, cutting earth for their kilns without proper documents will be identified and if required, FIR will be lodged against them and strict action will be taken", he added.
Jatindra Nath Deka, President of the Dimoria unit of AASU said that a good step has been taken by the adminstration.
"A lot of hills and trees from government lands has been cut and various agricultural land have been digged by the brick kilns but the Sonapur range is yet to take action against such activities, which is making their stand clear on such issues", he added.
(Citizen journalist Prameshwar Puri)
