In its early stages, Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) technology was not well known by any of the government departments or any other financial and environment institutions. Presently, in all the above-mentioned states, the existence of TARA ecoKiln proves the spreading awareness of this technology. The state-level institutes were earlier quite uninterested in modernising the brick kiln industry but presently, they support the same for its speedy technology upgradation and mechanisation by offering aids in the form of subsidies.

The Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneur (MSME) Develop-ment Institute has played a major role in promoting this technology. Currently, they are installing initial stage demonstration-cum-training centres in Orissa, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand. The state governments of these states have also shown interest in adopting this technology and initial dialogue has been started with the same. Bihar has shown an impressive potential towards prospects for the TARA ecoKiln. As this technology is supporting the brick sector by providing them longer periods to operate and longer employment to the kiln workers, it has become popular in some areas of the country. Lots of many states, which were not in our portfolio earlier, are raising queries and showing interest in adopting this eco-friendly technology.

TARA has proved its support to the technology by increasing the operational period ofthe brick kiln sector and longer employment of kiln workers at some sites. The only successful mechanisation of brick moulding has also been supported by TARA BrickMek. The migration of labour for moulding purposes has decreased and the effort made by TARA at TARA ecoKiln sites is not self stating. The present scenario of brick manufacturing industry has changed dramatically in the last few years.

TARA, in association with the World Bank, has again set itself unexpected benchmarks. The workers at TARA ecoKiln sites are now not only insured, they are also using the sanitation facilities provided at the sites along with using the provided safety equipments in the site premises.

By providing training of operation and moulding, TARA is further expanding upon the capacity of TARA ecoKiln workers. TARA has made a tremendous change in the attitude and working environment of the brick kiln sector. The definition of the brick kiln industry has been changed, and how! From polluted environment and hazardous working conditions to an eco-friendly mechanised system of brick kiln, the path has been paved by the TARA ecoKiln technology. An earlier 100% unorganised sector has been changed a real ‘industry’. Now, every TARA ecoKiln site is maintaining production records and documenting them in a formal manner. All the activities at TARA ecoKiln sites are now working as an industry on both operating and formal aspects. All local regulations have been followed by all the units.

The road is in sight. q

Prashant Rana
prana@devalt.org