For millions living in Delhi-NCR, the winter air is a familiar enemy—thick, choking, and dangerous. But a new report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has traced a significant source of this pollution back to an unlikely culprit: brick factories. Despite a clear ban on coal by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), these kilns are not just flouting the rules—they are doing so with impunity, exposing deep design flaws in the region’s pollution control strategy.
What the CSE report found: widespread violations in brick kilns
The CSE report, released this week, surveyed over 200 brick kilns across the National Capital Region. It found that a majority are still using coal or other banned fuels, directly violating the CAQM’s 2022 directive mandating a shift to cleaner alternatives like natural gas or biomass. The report also documented that many kilns claiming to use ‘zigzag’ technology—a cleaner firing method—are actually operating with flawed designs, leading to high emissions.
Why this matters for Delhi-NCR’s air quality crisis
Brick kilns are a major but often overlooked contributor to Delhi-NCR’s air pollution. They emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulphur dioxide, which are linked to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature deaths. With the region already struggling to meet national air quality standards, the CSE findings show that regulatory loopholes are allowing a key polluter to continue unchecked. For residents, this means another winter of hazardous air.
How the coal ban was supposed to work
The CAQM had mandated that all brick kilns in NCR switch to cleaner fuels and adopt zigzag technology by 2023. The zigzag design is meant to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. However, the CSE report reveals that many kilns have installed the technology incorrectly—with improper stacking or air flow—rendering it ineffective. Some kilns have even dismantled pollution control equipment after inspections, the report alleges.
Who is affected: workers, residents, and the environment
The violations hit hardest on the ground. Brick kiln workers, often migrants from poor states, face direct exposure to toxic fumes daily. Nearby residents in rural NCR areas report higher rates of asthma and eye irritation. The environmental cost is also steep: each non-compliant kiln can emit as much PM2.5 as hundreds of diesel cars annually. The CSE report estimates that if all kilns complied, NCR’s winter PM2.5 levels could drop by up to 10%.
CAQM and government response: what has been said
The CAQM has acknowledged the report and stated that it will conduct surprise inspections. In a statement, a CAQM official said, “We are reviewing the CSE findings and will take strict action against violators.” However, environmental activists point out that previous enforcement has been weak. The CSE report itself notes that only a handful of kilns have been penalized since the ban, and fines are often too low to deter non-compliance.
Why the zigzag technology is failing
The CSE report goes beyond just documenting violations—it diagnoses the problem. Many kilns have adopted zigzag technology but with design flaws: inadequate chimney height, improper brick stacking, or poor fuel feeding. These flaws mean the kilns still burn coal inefficiently, producing high emissions. The report calls for a redesign of the technology and mandatory third-party audits to ensure proper installation.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
What is confirmed: The CSE report surveyed 200+ kilns and found over 60% non-compliant. The CAQM ban is in place. Zigzag technology is widely installed but often flawed. What remains unclear: The exact number of kilns that have been penalized. The full extent of health impacts from these violations. Whether the CAQM will enforce stricter penalties or phase out traditional kilns entirely. The report’s claims are based on field surveys and technical assessments, but independent verification by government agencies is pending.
Why brick kilns are hard to regulate
Brick kilns in NCR are often small, informal operations run by local contractors. Many operate seasonally, making inspections difficult. The CSE report highlights that the supply chain for cleaner fuels like natural gas is not reliable in rural NCR areas, forcing some kilns to fall back on coal. This structural issue means that even willing kiln owners struggle to comply. The report suggests that the CAQM must address fuel availability alongside enforcement.
Risks and balanced view: challenges in enforcement
While the CSE report is damning, some kiln owners argue that the transition to cleaner fuels is expensive and logistically difficult. Switching to natural gas requires pipeline infrastructure, which is absent in many parts of NCR. Biomass alternatives are not always available in sufficient quantity. Critics of the report say it does not fully account for these ground realities. However, environmental experts counter that the health and environmental costs of inaction far outweigh the transition costs.
Wider trend: India’s struggle with industrial pollution enforcement
The brick kiln violations are part of a larger pattern in India: strong regulations on paper, weak enforcement on the ground. From thermal power plants to steel mills, industries across the country have been found flouting emission norms. The CSE report on brick kilns is a microcosm of this systemic failure. It raises questions about the effectiveness of India’s pollution control boards and the need for more transparent, data-driven monitoring.
What residents and local authorities can do
For residents living near brick kilns, the CSE report recommends reporting violations to the CAQM’s hotline or local pollution control board. Community monitoring can help. Local authorities should conduct surprise inspections and use satellite data to track kiln activity. The report also suggests that the government should provide subsidies for kiln owners to switch to cleaner fuels, making compliance economically viable.
Future outlook: what could happen next
The CSE report is likely to put pressure on the CAQM to act. Possible next steps include stricter penalties, a phase-out of traditional kilns by 2025, and mandatory installation of continuous emission monitoring systems. However, without political will and adequate funding, enforcement may remain weak. The report warns that if violations continue, Delhi-NCR’s air quality targets will remain out of reach.
Our Take
The CSE report is a stark reminder that India’s pollution problem is not just about cars or stubble burning—it is also about industrial non-compliance that flies under the radar. The brick kiln sector, though small in scale, has a disproportionate impact on local air quality. The report’s value lies not just in documenting violations, but in exposing the design flaws in the CAQM’s own strategy. A ban without enforcement is just a piece of paper. The real test for the CAQM will be whether it can turn this report into action—before another winter chokes the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the CSE report find about brick factories in NCR?
The CSE report found that over 60% of surveyed brick kilns in Delhi-NCR are violating the CAQM’s ban on coal use. Many are using banned fuels or have flawed zigzag technology installations, leading to high emissions.
Why is the coal ban important for air quality?
Coal burning in brick kilns releases PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide, which are major contributors to Delhi-NCR’s severe air pollution. The ban aims to reduce these emissions and improve public health.
What is zigzag technology in brick kilns?
Zigzag technology is a cleaner firing method that improves combustion efficiency by altering the airflow pattern in the kiln. However, the CSE report found that many installations are flawed, making them ineffective.
What can residents do if they suspect a brick kiln is violating the ban?
Residents can report suspected violations to the CAQM’s hotline or the local pollution control board. The CSE report encourages community monitoring to help enforce the ban.
