Almost 3,203 brick kilns in Punjab have been converted to the zig-zag methodology which is an energy and fuel-efficient process to produce better-quality bricks. The Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) and the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), have initiated the project.
The Environment Protection Department (EPD) of Punjab has directed that brick kilns using “old technology” in the province be closed immediately. The brick kilns will be closed in select cities from November 20 till December 20. The notification, however, stated that brick kilns using “zig-zag technology”, a design change that makes more efficient use of fuel, would be allowed to operate.