Socio-economic and environmental impacts of brick industries around Rajshahi : a case study on Parila Union of Rajshahi, Bangladesh | |
| Author | Lima, Farhana Khan |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.RD-05-05 |
| Subject(s) | Brick trade--Bangladesh--Rajshahi--Environmental aspects Brick trade--Social aspects--Bangladesh--Rajshahi Brick trade--Economic aspects--Bangladesh--Rajshahi |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | With growing population coupled with rapid process of urbanization and increased income, the demand of improved quality of housing units are rising day by day both in urban and rural areas. The pucca and permanent housing structure is essential to protect against natural calamities such as flood and cyclone in Bangladesh. Brick is the most basic and important component of house building process, whether for residence or non-residence purposes. The demand for brick has given a boost to the brick kiln industry. Secondary sources revealed that there are 110 brick kilns lying within 20 km from the Rajshahi city center. These kilns are located on main roads and in close proximately to the city. The main factor influencing the location of brick kilns is the availability of good quality soil, land value and accessibility. The present study has been done in Parila Union under Rajshahi district which is 9 km away from Rajshahi city. The area has a full agglomeration of 25 kilns. The study has been done on three sample brick fields. The objectives are to study the impacts on socio-economic aspects of migrant, local and child workers and on environment. The results of the impacts were negative as well as positive in some cases. Land degradation is the important negative impact in the process of manufacturing bricks. Field surveys also revealed that, the fertile topsoil has been removed followed by soil erosion occurs, ditches, water logging and irrigation related management problems. The effect on health is also high. Release of black smoke, dust particles, ash deposition and solid waste generation have caused health problems like coughing, bronchitis etc. Above all there are some positive impacts, such as higher employment opportunities, raised income, better socio-economic condition and higher returns in term of leasing out land for brick produces. The strict enforcement of several environmental and labour laws have been restricted its expansion and growth. The lack of safety measures. non provision of minimum and regular wage, exploitation of child labours etc. have raised questions about its sustainability. Implementation of the existing rules, guidelines and laws will ensure smooth functioning of brick industries. In this research an effort has been made to suggest some policy recommendations considered important to strengthen the functioning of brick industries. |
| Year | 2005 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Routray, Jayant K.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chandhana lndhapanya ;Perera, L. A. S. Ranjith ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Norwegian Agency for Development Co-Operation (NORAD) ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |