Pollution check: Chhattisgarh cracks down on brick kilns near rivers

Raipur: To save rivers from pollution, the Chhattisgarh government has ordered removing brick kilns operating in close vicinity.

Chief Minister Raman Singh issued directions in this regard to officials asking them to ensure that the kilns are at least 100 metres away from river banks, an official statement said in Raipur today.

The decision was taken during a review meeting of forest department on Monday at Mantralaya.

The chief minister also asked officials to make afforestation plans to boost the green cover on the banks of rivers – Sheonath, Arpa and Kharoon – which flow through prominent cities in Durg, Bilaspur and Raipur respectively to check soil erosion.

The funds for afforestation can be utilised from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds as Rs 2.713 crore is deposited under this scheme at the Centre for the state.

A detailed plan for afforestation should be forwarded to the Centre for approval of sanctions, it quoted the chief minister as saying.

Besides, Singh directed forest officials to cover the workers involved in tendu leaves plantations under the insurance of Rs 1 lakh each.

In the meeting, the chief minister stressed upon the need for public participation in afforestation and protecting forests for safeguarding environment, it said.

He emphasised on encouraging bamboo cultivation to enhance the income of the rural population from it.

There is a lot of scope for bamboo craft in the country and abroad. Better training should be given to the villagers in bamboo craft. Skilled craftsmen from Assam and Tripura should be called as master trainers to Chhattisgarh for this purpose, the release said.

PTI