Video By: Rafiqa Bano | Article By: Sajad Rasool
According to the official data, 66% of the brick kilns are located in Budgam district. Most of these kilns operate without Govt license and play a significant role in increasing the carbon footprint. The locals at several places have been voicing their concern about this matter in terms of pollution and damage to natural Karewas, however, due to rampant corruption, there is no control at all, according to Bashir Budgami, a social activist. In Budgam district, of 164 brick kilns, 158 are functional, 6 are non- functional and several of them are without a license raising serious questions on the functioning of these kilns.
At most of the places, the kilns are located around paddy fields, localities, and water bodies causing a serious threat not only to ecology but also to flora and fauna. It is pertinent to mention here that the total area of Budgam according to the official website of Budgam district, under the irrigated land is 37551 hectares and the Pir Panchal mountain range holds major glaciers like Tatakoti, etc feeding several streams like Doodhganga, Shaliganga, and Sokhnag.
