Kathmandu, May 26

Emphasis has been laid on policy-level management by giving priority to energy efficiency, use of environment-friendly technology and fulfillment of social responsibilities for transformation of brick industry.

Stakeholders expressed this view at a discussion on the draft of National Strategic Policy on Brick Industry in Nepal. The draft was prepared by a study team formed to operate the brick industry in a systematic way at a time when the government is preparing to carry out land planning for the industrial sector.

The draft prepared by the team formed under the coordination of former secretary Krishna Gyawali stresses use of different alternative energy technologies against coal used in brick industries. The initiative is supported by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

The draft also gives priority to reliable mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of significance of social security, including quality determination and classification of bricks, child labour, occupational safety and remuneration. There are about 1,000 brick kilns in operation across the country and most of them are operated in a traditional way with weak occupational safety and health standards. They are blamed for causing environment pollution.

At a seminar organised here today to discuss the draft, Director General of Cottage and Small Industries Shatrudhan Pudasaini, Director General of ICIMOD David Molden, President of Federation of Nepal Brick Industries Mahendra Bahadur Chitrakar, among others, shed light on technologies and policy-level reforms in brick industries.