Apex Court Orders Closure of Brick Kilns in Panauti Over Health, Heritage Concerns

The Supreme Court has ordered the closure of all brick kilns operating in Panauti municipality of Kavrepalanchok district in view of threats it poses to the site of archaeological importance as well as health and well-being of local communities.

In 2019, local people, including activist Shreekrishna Dhimal, had filed a writ against Panauti municipality, including Mayor Mahesh Kharel, the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Ministry of Education and the Department of Archaeology, pointing out that the kilns were operating without proper environmental clearances and standards, endangering a heritage site with its history dating back to the Kirant and Lichhavi periods through clay attraction and other acts.

The petitioners further argued that the kilns were causing high levels of pollution, damaging agricultural productivity and posing serious health risks to the local population, including schoolchildren.

After nearly five years, a joint bench of Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Sharanga Subedi recently issued its verdict in favor of the petitioners.

The apex court ruling is being seen as a major victory for environmental and heritage conservation efforts in the region.
 

Currently, eight brick kilns are operating in Panauti, namely Himalayan Multipurpose Company Pvt Ltd Navadurga Bhawani Brick Industry, Upakar Chimney Brick Industry, Jay Bhimsen Brick Industry, Veer Hanuman Brick Factory, Palanchok Bhawani Fixed Chimney Industry, Suvarneshwari Brick Industry and Palanchok Bhagwati Brick Factory. 

Some of these kilns are located quite close to schools.