Because the winter chill settles in, hundreds of brick kiln employees in Bihar are busy molding, stacking and firing numerous rounds of clay. For these employees, the brick-firing season – sometimes October to June – is an important livelihood alternative. One in every of India’s largest brick manufacturing hubs, Bihar is residence to roughly 7,865 brick units and produces over 23 billion bricks yearly. However beneath its success lies a heavy dependence on coal and labor-intensive practices.
A change is underway, providing hope for a extra sustainable future. On the coronary heart of this shift is the adoption of zigzag kiln expertise, a cleaner and extra environment friendly different to the normal Mounted Chimney Bull’s Trench Kiln (FCBTK). Whereas promising, the transition isn’t with out challenges.
The Case for Zigzag Kilns
Following a December 2015 directive by the Central Pollution Control Board, a number of states have directed brick kilns of their jurisdiction to shift from FCBTK to zigzag kiln expertise. Zigzag kilns use a pure draft mechanism to channel airflow in a zigzag sample, guaranteeing uniform combustion. This methodology reduces coal consumption by 20%, cuts emissions of black carbon and particulate matter by 75%, and lowers energy use by 20%.
Apart from providing environmental advantages, the improved course of enhances brick high quality and reduces breakages, bettering manufacturing effectivity. A performance assessment study revealed that zigzag kilns produce about eight bricks per kilogram of coal in comparison with 5 bricks with FCBTKs. Retrofitting an FCBTK kiln to zigzag prices round ₹40 lakhs; nonetheless, the funding usually pays off inside one to 2 years via financial savings on gas and improved output.
What are the Challenges?
Transitioning to zigzag kilns calls for not solely technological upgrades but in addition a talented workforce to make sure effectivity and high quality. Every kiln employs 120–150 employees in roles akin to molders (Patheras), stackers (Beldars), loaders (Kumhars) and firepersons (Jalaiwalas). Most employees be taught on the job and lack the formal coaching wanted for working zigzag kilns. The technical precision wanted for stacking and firing bricks straight impacts productiveness. A kiln proprietor from Jamui district acknowledges, “Now we have switched to zigzag, however with out educated employees, attaining full effectivity is difficult.” A current research revealed that 43% of kilns in Bihar wrestle with inefficiencies because of untrained labor.
Harsh working circumstances additional compound these challenges, as many employees stay in cramped, temporary housing for months, enduring exposure to coal dust, intense heat and long hours. Feminine employees, who symbolize only 13% of the workforce, face further obstacles, together with cultural norms, security issues and restricted entry to talent improvement packages. The twin burden of physical labor and household responsibilities additional exacerbates their struggles, underscoring the necessity for focused coaching and employee welfare initiatives.
Coaching Initiatives and Capability Constructing Workouts
Operational challenges because of restricted data of firing processes, brick stacking strategies and retrofitting practices have led to kiln shutdowns in districts akin to Champaran, underlining the necessity for focused coaching and capability constructing.
To handle these wants, not-for-profit organizations have partnered with the state authorities and trade stakeholders to help capacity-building initiatives. As an example, Greentech Knowledge Solutions and Development Alternatives have developed coaching modules in Hindi, distributed by the Bihar State Air pollution Management Board (BSPCB), to assist masons and contractors perceive zigzag kiln necessities. Since 2016, coaching packages have been supplied to each employees and kiln house owners, overlaying important expertise akin to brick stacking, firing strategies and operational effectivity. “Coaching has been transformative,” says a kiln proprietor from Patna. “We’ve seen not simply price financial savings but in addition improved working circumstances and brick high quality.”
The Method Ahead
Bihar should undertake an built-in method that mixes technological developments with a robust give attention to employee welfare. Central to this transition is the enlargement of coaching packages. Partnerships between trade stakeholders, authorities businesses and non-profit organizations will help employees purchase these important expertise. Formal certification packages also needs to be launched, enhancing employees’ employability.
Equally necessary is strengthening coverage implementation. While the BSPCB has mandated cleaner technologies, enforcement stays inconsistent. Actual-time monitoring of unregulated kilns can drive sooner adoption of sustainable practices.
One other key to long-term sustainability is the promotion of nearly zero-emission alternatives like fly ash bricks. Whereas zigzag kilns symbolize a major step ahead, fly ash bricks may cut back emissions even additional. Authorities incentives, akin to subsidies and low-interest loans, can encourage kiln house owners to make this transition.
Lastly, bettering employee welfare is essential. Offering employees with security tools, well being screenings, entry to scrub consuming water and warmth shelters can vastly enhance their high quality of life. Addressing systemic points akin to revenue stability and gender inclusivity will additional be certain that the transition is equitable and sustainable.
Bihar’s brick kiln trade stands at a crossroads. The shift to cleaner applied sciences like zigzag kilns requires not simply technological upgrades but in addition a dedication to employee skilling and welfare. With focused investments, robust coverage measures and capacity-building initiatives, Bihar can rework its brick kilns right into a mannequin for sustainable trade practices.
Isha Verma is former senior communications affiliate, Local weather, Economics and Finance Program, WRI India.
