effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental … · 2019-03-05 · brick kiln...

J. Sci. Technol. Environ. Inform. 06(02): 474-488 | Hossain et al. (2019) EISSN: 2409-7632, Journal home: www.journalbinet.com Crossref: https://doi.org/10.18801/jstei.060219.50

474 Published with open access at www.journalbinet.com

Effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental pollution and consequences on livelihood of Bangladesh Hossain, M. A.1, Zahid, A. M.1, Arifunnahar, M.1 and Siddique M. N. A.2

1Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), Ministry of Agriculture, Mrittika Bhaban, Krishi Khamar Sarak, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh. 2District office, Soil Resource Development Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Rangpur-5400, Bangladesh.

Article Information ABSTRACT

Key Words: Brick kilns, Arable land, Land degradation and Environmental pollution

Received: 10.12.2018 Revised: 25.02.2019 Published: 14.03.2019

For any information: [email protected]

A total of one hundred and twenty-one brick kilns have been surveyed to assess the effects of brick kiln in land degradation and environmental pollution. Brick kiln owners and or surrounding farmers of the associated brick kilns has been interviewed through a pre-structured questionnaire. The survey area covered eighty-six Upazila’s (sub-districts) under forty-eight districts throughout Bangladesh. Most of the brick kilns are using coal as fuel. Forest woods were used in 18% of the brick kilns. Surveyed brick kilns are situated within 3-20 km from the Upazila Headquarters (HQs) and 2m-2km from the nearest homesteads. The average distance between brick kilns and nearest homesteads is about ½ km (570 m) and the same between brick kilns and Upazila HQs is about 7.36km. About 58% (69 of 121) brick kilns were found approved by the competent authority but 18% (21 of 121) had no approval. 21% brick kiln owners did not disclose government approval status; which is unethical and violation of Brick Making and Establishment of Kilns (Control) Law 2013. Nearby farmers reported adverse effect of brick kilns on homestead plantation and field crops. They also reported that bearing of fruit trees is hampered; immature fruits are damaged, less fruiting in vegetables. Capacity of the surveyed brick kilns was found ranged from 0.45 million to as high as 0.78 million bricks per year. The average capacity was 2.89 million bricks per year and the total production per annum were 31.70 million bricks. Bangladesh produces 50 billion bricks per year. Use of quality topsoil of agricultural land as raw material for bricks is a substantial environmental and economic concern as evidenced from results of brick kiln survey. The government decided to prohibit previously profitable brick exports to neighboring country India as per law of the lands, which was a competent decision. Mostly fertile topsoil of agricultural land is exploited for making bricks. On an

average 3 kilogram soil is required to make a brick. 150 billion kg soil is

required to produce 50 billion bricks per annum in Bangladesh. One-hectare

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Brick kiln affects lands degradation, environmental pollution and livelihood

475

land up to furrow slice, i.e. 0-10 cm contains 2X106 kg of soil. Bangladesh

cannot afford losing huge amount fertile topsoil every year. This would

certainly lead food insecurity and vulnerable livelihood, apart from arable

lands degradation and environmental deterioration of the country.

Citation: Hossain, M. A. Zahid, A. M. Arifunnahar, M. and Siddique, M. N. A. (2019). Effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental pollution and consequences on livelihood of Bangladesh. Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics, 06(02), 474-488. Crossref: https://doi.org/10.18801/jstei.060219.50.

© 2019, Hossain et al. This is an open access article distributed under terms of the Creative Common Attribution

4.0 International License.

I. Introduction

The population of Bangladesh is 158.9 million with a growth rate of 1.37 and total number of

establishments are 78,18,565. The population density of Bangladesh is 1,106 per km2 (BBS 2015). Rapid

urbanization, industrialization and construction of buildings in Bangladesh use bricks from several past

decades. This has reinforced brick manufacturing industry a fastest growing sector (Saha and Hosain,

2016) in Bangladesh due to increasing demands and availability of raw materials such as mud soil or clay,

fuel materials and cheap labour. Saha and Hosain (2016) reported that the current number of 4,500 brick

kilns throughout the country expected to increase almost 50% by 2020. Still brick manufacturing is not

formally recognized as an industry in the country though this sector has certain economic and

employment significance (MoI 2010). UNDP reported that Bangladesh manufactures 1,200 crore of

bricks each year for the rapid urbanization rate (7-8%) in medium and large cities (UNDP 2011).

However, dependence on clay bricks as construction and or building material in the country is common

since the country is covered with alluvial soils, and stone materials are being scarce in many areas. Brick

manufacturing in Bangladesh is done with traditional methods, and brick kilns are not mostly developed

under adequate necessary precautions and with environmental considerations to avoid various kinds of

toxic fumes and particulates. An estimated two million tons of low-quality fuel such as coal and firewood

are burnt for brick manufacturing. In addition, some brick kilns also use tyres and natural gas (Ahmed

and Hossain, 2008). Brick kilns in agricultural lands, low quality wooden fuel in brick kiln, improper fixed

chimneys and the violation of laws to conserve environment is leading this sector into a major cause of

agricultural productivity decline, pollution of environments and hazards towards human health

(Guttikunda and Khaliquzzaman 2014). However, an estimated 7,000 brick kilns have been reported

throughout Bangladesh. This business sector has certain contribution in gross domestic product (GDP)

around 1%. More importantly, brick manufacturing employed roughly 1 million people (BUET 2007). On

the other hand, most of the brick kilns in the country are energy-intensive. Consequently, making brick

sector a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, environmental and air pollution. The Ministry of

Environment and Forests (MOEF 1996) issued a directive ban of operation of traditional fixed chimney

kilns (FCKs) at brick kilns by 2012, although this ban extended later to 2014. In addition, national strategy

for sustainable brick production in Bangladesh requires to be implemented involving all parties for

sustainability of this sector (DoE 2017). But the enforcement and implementation of fixed chimney ban

and national strategy remain slow and this issue faces considerable barriers and challenges (Saha and

Hosain, 2016; Anon. 2017). The FCKs emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and other environmental

pollutants into the atmosphere each year, causing a harmful impact on health, agricultural yields and

climate. Environment friendly and energy efficient brick kilns has to increase and much needed in

Bangladesh to avoid greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation and air pollution.

Arable lands (i.e. cultivable areas) are decreasing in Bangladesh by 1% each year as reported by Mainuddin and Kirby (2016) and 0.73% each year reported by Hasan et al. (2013). Typically, the alluvial soils of the country considered as fertile, but soil fertility decline is evident in many agroecological zones of Bangladesh affecting land productivity and environment (FRG 2005, 2012; Siddique et al. 2014;




Siddique et al. 2014a; Rahman 2010). Bangladesh cannot afford further decline of soil quality and land degradation to maintain food security. Because mud soil or clay is extensively used during brick manufacturing, arable lands throughout the country is being threatened by the increasing number of brick kilns. These brick kilns are removing top soil and sub soils of agricultural lands for brick manufacturing. Once the fertile layers of soil removed from arable lands of surrounding brick kilns, these lands cannot be used further for cultivation until many years and or land productivity decline in many ways. Brick kilns and associated buring have detrimental effects on degradation of lands and forest, topsoil fertility, productivity and deterioration of environments through air pollutants (i.e. CO2, SO2 and NO) (Khan et al. 2007). Therefore, the core aim of the study is to assess the effects of brick kiln on surrounding crop fields and homesteads. It is generally postulated that the brick kilns have detrimental effects on micro-environment of surrounding area. It is observed that brick kilns are usually built on or near agricultural lands for utilizing/digging (up to 1.5 meter or more) the top soils of area. They are located mostly nearer to densely populated area which is a clear violation of existing law. Bricks are generally burnt with fuel woods/coal/gas though government has banned the use of fuel woods. Moreover, chimneys are not constructed as per government specification (i.e. height 30 meter). As the fumes generate huge temperature, dust and gases especially SO2; which may affect the micro-environment of the surrounding area of brickfield. Farmers are sometimes forced to sell fertile top soils of their crop lands due to influential kiln owners. It is reported that presently around 150 billion bricks are manufactured every year in 6,900 brick kilns in the country at the cost of about 127 crore cubic feet of topsoil (Daily star 2016). Qualitative and quantitative researches including significant variables involving brick kiln is scanty in Bangladesh, neither the detrimental effects of brick manufacturing on livelihood, arable lands and environment is studied adequately. Soil Resource Development Institute, Bangladesh has conducted a study in the country during 2005, which revealed damaging effects of brick kiln on crop fields and horticultural crops. To reveal more information, a further study was undertaken to generate recent consequences of brick kilns, to assess its impact on surrounding agriculture lands and the environment of Bangladesh.

II. Materials and Methods

Brick industry: development and facts

Although not formally recognized as an industry, with a current manufacturing capacity of 12 billion bricks per year from 5,200 kilns surrounding all major cities of Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Chittagong, this sector has a major economic significance in the national context. It contributes to 1.0 % of the gross domestic product and employs directly and indirectly over 1million people (BUET 2007). The demand for bricks is expected to grow at least 50 % by 2020 (World Bank 2007; UNDP 2011). A summary of the brick manufacturing industry in Bangladesh is presented in Table 01. Table 01. Brick industry in Bangladesh at a glance (Guttikunda and Khaliquzzaman, 2014)

Parameter Value (approximate) All kilns in Bangladesh 5,000 All kilns within 50 km of the Greater Dhaka region 1,000 Natural gas fired kilns in Bangladesh 26 Annual brick production in Bangladesh 15 billion Market value of bricksa 105 billion BDT (1.3 billion USD) Contribution of brick manufacturing sector to annual GDP

1%

Annual coal consumption 2.2 million tons Import value of coal consumed USD 140 million Annual firewood consumption 1.9 million tons Annual clay consumption 45 million tons Total employment including supply of clay and coal, transport of bricks and marketing

1 million

Growth rate between 2000–2010 5.6 % (construction industry) Expected growth rate between 2010–2020 2–4 %



477

a1 USD=80 Bangladesh Taka (BDT) in 2012 and market value per brick is considered at 7 BDT.

Bangladesh’s brick making sector plays a significant role in the nation’s economy. It is believed to account for about one percent of GDP and employ (mostly on a seasonal basis) between one to two million people. Estimates of the total number of brick-making operations range from 6,000 to over 10,000. Kilns documented by the Department of Environment (DoE) numbered 6,791 in September 2014. Most of these are small-scale seasonal businesses (traditional kilns), operating from six to eight months a year and active mainly from November to April.

Photo 01. Cluster of Brick kiln near Dhaka City.

A socio-economic survey of traditional kilns commissioned by the IKEBMI project found the average output level of surveyed kilns to be around three million bricks per season and average employment to be around 190 persons, 75 percent of whom are migrants (Socio-Economic Baseline Study, IKEBMI Project, 2014). While currently in a slump, the brick market over the past few decades are said to have grown at a significant clip to keep up with growth of the building and infrastructure sectors, which have averaged around five percent growth annually. Despite the current slump, long-term growth in the brick sector is expected to be strong, driven by increasing urbanization, infrastructure projects, and increasing use of bricks in rural areas. This sector is considered one of the top sources of air pollution in the country and a primary cause of deforestation.

Photo 02. Stockpile of excavated topsoil and 3. Soils processed for brick making.

Depletion of topsoil resources by the industry is also of concern. Prior to 2001, dominant brick kiln technology was BTK. Policy (2002) resulted in mass transition to FCK technology, which has higher chimney to disperse pollutants. Recent policy (2013) requires shift to from FCK to lower emission technologies including zig-zag (most popular option, a small-scale technology), VSBK (small-scale, has been piloted, but not accepted by Bangladesh brick makers), HHK (mid-scale technology supported by the project), or tunnel (highly automated mid or large-scale technology). Key players in the brick industry include: traditional brick makers and their association, investors in HHKs and tunnel kilns and their association (generally a different demographic than traditional brick makers), government regulators (MoEF’s DoE is regulator of air quality and main GOB player at present), service and equipment providers to HHKs and tunnel kilns, masons providing conversion to zig-zag services to traditional brick makers, debt providers to HHK and tunnel kilns, and international donors.

Study methodology The locations of examined brick kilns under this study was identified based on the in the Upazila Soil and Landform Map (1:50,000) of Bangladesh. Data was collected using a pre-structured questionnaire, but in



order to obtain more information and insights semi-structured and unstructured questions were also asked to face-to-face interview with the farmers. Data on brick kiln such as location (distance from Upazila HQ/ municipality/ residential area; co-ordinates), area, capacity, chimney height, fuel used, source of soil, etc. Collection of land type wise soil samples from adjacent and distant crop fields from at least five brick kilns in a district. In total data on 121 brick kilns was collected. Topsoil composite sample and plant samples from damaged plots (if any) was collected district wise for each brick kiln. Data on standing crops, cropping patters of brick kiln area before conversion into brick manufacturing area was also collected. Data on crops, growing stages likely to be injured/ damaged was collected by interviewing the farmers surrounding brick kilns. Chemical analysis of the collected soil samples was done for determining pH, N, P, K, S and Zn status of the soils to assess soil quality, productivity and economic impact.

Spatial distribution of brick kilns

For this study, total 121 brick kilns were considered as study area in eight administrative divisions taking

five brick kilns from concerned districts of Bangladesh (Table 02 and Figure 01).

Table 02. Spatial distribution of brick kilns under study

Division Regional/District Office of SRDI

District Upazila

Rajshahi

Rajshahi RO Rajshahi Paba, Charghat Naogaon Naogaon Sadar Chapainawabganj Chapainawabganj Sadar, Shibganj Natore Natore Sadar, Boroigram

Bogra DO Bogra Shahjahanpur, Bogra Sadar, Shibganj Joypurhat Joypurhat Sadar, Kalai

Pabna DO Pabna Pabna Sadar, Ishwardi, Sujanagar Sirajganj Sirajganj Sadar, Kamarkhand

Rangpur Dinajpur DO Panchagar Panchagar Sadar Thakurgaon Thakurgaon Sadar, Atwari Dinajpur Dinajpur Sadar, Birganj

Rangpur DO Rangpur Rangpur Sadar Nilphamari Syedpur Lalmonirhat Lalmonirhat Sadar Kurigram Kurigram Sadar Gaibandha Gaibandha Sadar

Dhaka Dhaka RO Dhaka Savar Manikganj Sinagir Munshiganj Mushiganj Sadar Gazipur Kaliakoir Narayanganj Sonargaon

Tangail DO Tangail Tangail Sadar, Ghatail, Mirzapur, Basail, Kalihati

Faridpur DO Faridpur Faridpur Sadar Gopalganj Gopalganj Sadar, Tongipara Madaripur Madaripur Sadar Shariatpur Shariatpur Sadar

Mymensingh Mymensingh DO Mymensingh Mymensingh Sadar, Trisal Kishoreganj Kishoreganj Sadar, Hosenpur Netrokona Netrokona Sadar

Jamalpur DO Jamalpur Jamalpur Sadar, Melandaha, Islampur Sherpur Sherpur Sadar, Nalitabari

Khulna Khulna RO Khulna Rupsa, Fultala



479

Satkhira Satkhira Sadar, Kolaroa Bagerhat Bagerhat Sadar

Kushtia DO Kushtia Kushtia Sadar, Mirpur, Kumarkhali Meherpur Meherpur Sadar

Jessore DO Jessore Jessore Sadar, Monirampur Magura Magura Sadar Jhenaidah Jhenaidah Sadar Narail Narail Sadar

Chittagong Chittagong DO Chittagong Hathazari, Boalkhali, Satkania SCWMC Bandarban Bandarban Sadar Comilla RO Comilla Comilla Sadar, Hajiganj, Debidwar

Brhmanbaria Sadar, Kosba Noakhali DO Noakhali Begumganj, Shenbag

Feni Sadar Laksmipur Sadar, Ramganj

Sylhet Sylhet RO & DO Sylhet Sylhet Sadar, Jakiganj, Golapganj, Balaganj, Biswanath

Moulavibazar DO Moulavibazar Moulvibazar Sadar, Rajnagar

Figure 01. Map showing brick kiln study area in Bangladesh.



Soil sample analysis Soil samples were analysed by the central laboratory of Soil Resource Development Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Standard procedure (Siddique et al. 2014) was followed during sample preparation and subsequent analysis. Data analysis All survey qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel program. Qualitative data were used and interpreted based on objectivity of this research, observations and meaning. While quantitative data were presented as graphs and tables to express themes and meaning.

III. Results and Discussion Distance of brick kilns from Upazila head quarter Highest distance of brick kiln from Upazila HQ is 20 km; lowest distance being 0.5 km and average distance is 7.4 km. Similar results were recorded by Hossain and Shoaib (2005) (Figure 02).

Figure 02. Distance of brick kiln from Upazila HQs.

Distance of brick kilns from homesteads The highest distance of brick kilns from nearby homestead is 3000m; the lowest distance being 2m and average distance is 546 m (Figure 03).

Figure 03. Distance of brick kilns from homesteads.



481

Photo 03. Brick kiln adjacent to homesteads and arable lands.

Status of approval of surveyed brick kilns by appropriate authority It was observed that only 62 percent brick kilns have approval from competent authority while 19 were not approved and 19 percent did not shared any information (Figure 04).

Production capacity of brick kilns Capacity of the surveyed brick kilns range from 0.08 million to as high as 0.78 million bricks per kiln year. The average capacity was 0.35 million bricks per year and the total production per annum were 42.66 million bricks (Figure 05).

Figure 04. Status of approval of brick kilns by appropriate authority.

Figure 05. Production capacity of brick kilns.

69 (62%)

21 (19%) 21 (19%)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Approved Not approved Not disclosed

0.00

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50

0.60

0.70

0.80

0.90

1.00

1 6

11

16

21

26

31

36

41

46

51

56

61

66

71

76

81

86

91

96

10

1

10

6

11

1

11

6

12

1

Brick production (million/kiln/year)



Fuels used in brick kilns Though coal is the major source of energy (77%) to burn the bricks forest wood and fruit trees of homestead areas and forest woods are also used as fuel to burn the bricks (Figure 06; Photo 4). Out of 188 respondents, 1% did not disclose this information.

Figure 06. Fuels used in brick kilns.

Photo 04: Burning of wood and trees in Brick kiln (Anon. 2016).

Impact of brick kiln on land and environment degradation Mostly fertile topsoil of agricultural land is exploited for making bricks. On an average 3 kilogram, soil is required to make a brick. 150 billion kg soil is required to produce 50 billion bricks per annum in Bangladesh (Guttikunda et al. 2014). On an average one-hectare land up to furrow slice i.e. 0-10 cm weighs 2X106kg of soil. Bangladesh cannot afford loosing huge amount of soils every year. Topsoil containing organic matter and other nutrients is the mainstay for sustainable agriculture. Use of topsoil for brick-making leads to land degradation, which reduces agricultural yields. In addition, acid deposits from the sulfur dioxide (SO2) and NOx emitted from the brick kilns negatively affect agricultural productivity.



483

In India, for example, the use of topsoil for brick-making has been restricted (MOEF 1998). The brick kilns are also a major source of pollution in a country where environmental safeguards are all but non-existent.

Photo 05. Brick kiln adjacent to agricultural field.

A 2014 World Bank report claims the country's brick fields emit more than 9.8 million tons of greenhouse gases into the air each year. In particular, emissions of CO2 due to brick kiln in Bangladesh is 15.67 million tons (DoE 2017). Burning coal emits CO2, which contribute to global warming and climate change. In addition, low-quality coal is energy inefficient and produces further CO2 emissions. Similarly, poor insulation and heat losses require additional coal, whose use leads to further CO2 emissions. Dust from the brick-making sites spreads on the wind to nearby towns and villages, clogging the lungs of young and old and generating health problems the country is ill-equipped to handle. Although the use of firewood is banned in Bangladesh, anecdotal evidence suggests that a considerable amount of firewood is still used for brick-making. This can lead to deforestation or forest degradation, with loss of environmental services (e.g. watershed protection) and biodiversity.

Photo 06. Use of caterpillar for excavating soils from agricultural land.

Effect of brick kilns on crop yields Air pollution and declining topsoil fertility in the areas where brick kilns are located contributes to certain decline of agricultural yields. Brick kiln nearer to agricultural fields and devastation of land is spreading in the country (Photo 05; 06). Consequently, evidence of reduced yields from orchards and crops due to air pollution is well-documented (Naqvi 2004; Hossain and Shoaib 2005). Dust deposition on leaves of plants (i.e. crops and orchards) hinders photosynthesis, which reduces productivity. The conventional brick manufactured by burning coal and ruining invaluable topsoil has a devastating effect on agricultural production, water availability and achieving sustainable development. Effects of brick kiln on soil fertility Soil samples chemical data revealed that soil fertility is declining in arable lands around brick kilns. In case of Rangpur district, soil organic matter content near brick kiln was found low, other soil nutrients



such as nitrogen, potassium, boron and zinc level was also mostly reported to be of low level. The levels of phosphorus and sulphur was found mostly low but in some samples found higher (Table 3). Table 03. Soil sample analytical results of Rangpur district, Bangladesh

Adjacent to brick field (Composite)

District N pH OM (%) Total N

K (meq/ 100 gm)

P (µg/g) S (µg/g) B (µg/g) Zn (µg/g)

Rangpur 1 5.7 0.27 0.014 0.13 25.31 14.07 0.09 0.95

Nilfamari 5 5.4 0.34 0.017 0.20 11.63 83.07 0.11 1.06

Kurigram 9 5.1 2.29 0.115 0.34 11.55 157.28 0.15 1.05

Lalmonirhat 13 5.9 0.87 0.044 0.09 8.40 24.85 0.05 0.66

Gaibandha 17 6.0 0.81 0.041 0.13 7.23 10.02 0.03 0.77

District Adjacent to brick field (Mid-layer) Rangpur 2 6.2 0.34 0.170 0.10 12.77 1.34 0.03 0.73

Nilfamari 6 5.9 0.34 0.017 0.19 7.73 118.07 0.06 0.76

Kurigram 10 5.6 1.08 0.054 0.12 7.45 2.25 0.1 0.80

Lalmonirhat 14 6.2 0.13 0.010 0.09 7.26 20.09 0.02 0.71

Gaibandha 18 6.3 0.67 0.034 0.09 4.85 2.10 0.02 0.69

District 100m from brick field Rangpur 3 4.6 1.48 0.074 0.23 22.74 3.12 0.05 0.97

Nilfamari 7 5.6 1.14 0.570 0.15 14.8 29.87 0.07 1.14

Kurigram 11 5.2 3.16 0.158 0.16 14.63 173.47 0.15 3.93

Lalmonirhat 15 5.8 2.22 0.111 0.10 12.60 40.73 0.03 0.83

Gaibandha 19 5.7 0.54 0.270 0.15 15.86 2.20 0.04 1.09

District 500m from brick field Rangpur 4 4.7 1.08 0.054 0.19 43.19 95.45 0.08 1.06

Nilfamari 8 4.6 1.61 0.081 0.63 81.75 17.96 0.14 4.24

Kurigram 12 5.4 2.96 0.148 0.18 10.10 87.83 0.39 1.46

Lalmonirhat 16 5.8 1.88 0.094 0.11 15.44 34.41 0.09 0.74

Gaibandha 20 5.7 2.08 0.104 0.14 8.08 2.30 0.20 1.09 Environmental influences of brick sector Brick-making is considered one of the most critical sources of air pollution in the Bangladesh, as well as a major threat to forests and topsoil. Those who live in Dhaka are familiar with the deterioration of air quality that occurs once the traditional kilns start up in November. The Project’s Socio-Economic Baseline Study found that villagers living near to traditional kilns feel strongly that there is an association between the brick kilns and human health. They also indicate that agriculture – via soil fertility and animal health – is impacted by kiln pollutants. Impacts on urban air quality have been documented in a study by Begum et al, which found that nearly 40 percent of fine particulate emissions in Dhaka during the brick-making season can be attributed to brick kilns (Begum 2010). Brick-making is also considered a primary cause of deforestation in Bangladesh. While regulation has had some impact such that fuel wood use in brick-making is no longer “out in the open,” sources consulted during the mid-term review (MTR) indicate that use of wood in traditional kilns is still quite common in many locations. Finally, use of high quality topsoil as raw material for bricks is a substantial environmental concern, which has led the government to prohibit previously profitable brick exports to India. According to the BCAS, 1,745 of the brick kilns in Bangladesh have begun operations before obtaining a license. Every year 17.12 billion bricks are manufactured in Bangladesh, according to BCAS. The amount of earth required for it stands to 58.38 billion tons.



485

Dotted across the country are thousands of slender chimneys piercing the horizon above brick kilns, which, according to the UNDP, produce some 12 million bricks per year. About half of Bangladesh’s bricks are baked with the use of coal, making them the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, with several million tons emitted annually. Very few brick kilns in Bangladesh have been built following the proper design, resulting in huge emission black carbon causing environmental pollution. Brick kilns are the largest source of greenhouse gases in Bangladesh emitting 87.5 lac tons of greenhouse gases per year. In addition, pollution and destruction of farmland reported recently (Anon. 2016; 2018). It is not only crops that are being affected by the tons of smoke coming out of the chimneys. Experts now say that brick kilns are emitting harmful 'particulate matters' (pm) into the air, which are responsible for the alarming rise of respiratory ailments. The brick kilns emit toxic fumes containing suspended particulate matters rich in carbon particles and high concentration of carbon monoxides and oxides of sulphur (SOx) that are harmful to eye, lungs and throat. According to the keynote paper, the primary source of Sox -- the major pollutants in the air -- is traffic vehicles (55.8%), followed by brick manufacturing industry (28.8%). And the primary source of NOx (nitrogen oxides) pollutants is also traffic vehicle (54.5%) and brick manufacturing industry (8.8%). About 8000 brick fields were set up in the country without any clear environmental guidelines, resulting in loss of fertility in agricultural lands, the experts said. Also, nearly 25 to 26 per cent of the harvested woods are used for burning bricks every year, causing deforestation.

Photo 06. Fixed chimney kilns in Bangladesh (Photo: IIDFC Ltd. Bangladesh)

The ways forward In absence of natural sources of construction stones, bricks produced from clay become the major

construction material in the country. And the seasonal brick kilns have been producing most of the bricks

during November-May period. The brick manufacturers employ approximately 1.0 million workers,

mostly unskilled, in brick making. The United Nations Development Project in 2010 launched a five-year

project intended to green Bangladesh's brick-making industry. The GREEN Brick project aims to

implement 15 demonstration energy efficient kilns in a five-year period. It will result in the direct energy

savings of 314 kilotons of coal by the end of the project. In the upcoming 15 years, direct greenhouse gas

emission reductions should be of 1,470 kilotons of CO2. Moreover, it introduces a gender empowerment

component, demonstrating that generating environmentally and socially acceptable jobs is possible.

According to the news agency IPS, some experts say that a shift to greener kilns could slash the industry's

carbon emissions by half (Dailymail 2013).

Photo 07. Women at HHK kiln enjoy better labor standards and working conditions.



IV. Conclusion Brick making is indispensable for Bangladesh residential construction, urbanization, establishments,

economy and livelihood. Though not formally recognized as an industry, brick-making is a significant

economic activity in Bangladesh, but this sector is not yet controlled adequately by necessary standards

and regulations. The country overwhelming dependence on bricks is due to its lack of stones in any

sizable quantity or other alternative building materials at comparable cost. According to Bangladesh

Brick Manufacturing Owners Association around 7,000 brick kilns in the country currently

consume over 1.27 billion cubic feet of topsoil every year. Brick kilns have a negative effect on

agricultural productivity and certainly affecting arable lands potential. If the topsoil could be spared,

we would have much higher agricultural production every year. Just like agr iculture, bricks also

need soil rich in clay content. There could be two possible ways to deal with this pressure on

topsoil: either reduce the demand for bricks or find alternate materials to make brick. Regulating

the brick sector has improved considerably; however, enforcement is still needed. The Government of

Bangladesh (GOB) has demonstrated serious commitment in regulating the brick industry through a

series of measures. Outdated brick-production technology and seasonality of kiln operations hinder

brick-sector productivity. Most brick kilns have low energy efficiency and are highly polluting the

environment. The weak financial situation of most kiln operators hinders the adoption of modern

technologies and thus affecting arable lands, agricultural productivity and environment negatively.

Acknowledgement

Authors are grateful to the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), Ministry of Agriculture,

Bangladesh to enable them with funding and supports to conduct the study through different district

offices of SRDI.

Disclosure statement

This study concerns the adverse effects of brick manufacturing sector of Bangladesh. Findings are not

definitive but indicative of the issues raised. This study was conducted regardless of legal constraints and

advice. Authors reported no potential conflict of interest.

References

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HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE?

Crossref: https://doi.org/10.18801/jstei.060219.50. MLA Hossain et al. “Effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental pollution and consequences on livelihood, Bangladesh.” Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics 06(02) (2019): 474-488. APA Hossain, M. A., Zahid, A. M., Arifunnahar, M. and Siddique, M. N. A. (2019). Effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental pollution and consequences on livelihood of Bangladesh. Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics, 06(02), 474-488. Chicago Hossain, M. A., Zahid, A. M., Arifunnahar, M. and Siddique, M. N. A. “Effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental pollution and consequences on livelihood of Bangladesh.” Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics 06(02) (2019): 474-488. Harvard Hossain, M. A., Zahid, A. M., Arifunnahar, M. and Siddique, M. N. A. 2019. Effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental pollution and consequence on livelihood of Bangladesh. Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics, 06(02), pp. 474-488. Vancouver Hossain, MA, Zahid, AM, Arifunnahar, M, Siddique, MNA. Effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental pollution and consequences on livelihood of Bangladesh. Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics. 2019 March 06(02): 474-488.



effect of brick kiln on arable land degradation, environmental … · 2019-03-05 · brick kiln...

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