Back to news
10 Nov 2015 | Air pollution solutions

A New Way Forward for Brick Kilns in Nepal

1 min Read

70% Complete

 

The destruction of brick kilns caused by the massive earthquake earlier this April damaged approximately 110 chimneys in the valley. Although unfortunate, their reconstruction is being seen as an opportunity for the introduction of more sound brick kiln designs through timely development and publication of new design manuals. The designs promote cleaner kilns that will reduce harmful air pollutant emissions and improve fuel efficiency. ‘Design Manual for Improved Fixed Chimney Zig-Zag Brick Kilns’ was prepared with input from local brick experts, entrepreneurs, national engineers, scientists, and architects, and external reviews from international experts. It is the first of its kind in South Asia. It was released by Mahesh Basnet, Ministry of Industry, at a gathering of government officials, development agencies, and brick entrepreneurs from the Kathmandu Valley on 30 September 2015 in Kathmandu. After launching the manual, Basnet, said he the better design and modern technologies were positive and urged the Ministry of Industry to seek a key role in the modernisation of the kilns.

David Molden, Director General of the International Centre of Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) shared his enthusiasm for the new design’s potential.

‘With this improved brick kiln design, Nepal’s brick industry can reduce its coal consumption by up to 30%, which will result in cleaner air in the Kathmandu Valley, and up into the Himalayas’ Molden said. ‘It can also serve as a model for brick entrepreneurs in other parts of the region to improve their kiln operations, both environmentally and economically.’

The launch of the manual is a joint effort of the Atmosphere Initiative of ICIMOD, Federation of Nepal Brick Industries (FNBI), and MinErgy to support the construction of improved brick kilns in Nepal.

The manual is a practical tool to guide brick entrepreneurs in rebuilding their kilns. It includes engineered designs and two supplementary documents that provide drawings and construction guidelines. It is expected to serve as a guide for construction engineers and supervisors to delineate essential parameters for the construction of both induced and natural draft zig-zag kilns. However, there are unique features for most brick kilns and kiln sites, and a single design recommendation may not be appropriate in all settings. The proposed design has been developed for particular conditions, as described under the respective headings, recognising the inherent variability that exists in Nepal.

Stay current

Stay up to date on what’s happening around the HKH with our most recent publications and find out how you can help by subscribing to our mailing list.

Sign Up

Related Contents

Continue exploring this topic

Festival Provides Platform to Discuss Future of Yak Herding in the Kangchenjunga Landscape

Kipchu, a yak herder from Haa, Bhutan, said that traditional products such as hard cheese from yak milk have limited ...

Kathmandu Roadmap jumpstarts collective management of the HKH airshed

Air pollution is a critical development challenge that demands rigorous application of air quality management (AQM) and planning ...

14 Jun 2018 REDD+
ICIMOD supports ICFRE in developing State REDD+ Action Plan for Uttarakhand, India

Countries seeking funds from the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programme need to develop a National REDD+ ...

16 Aug 2017 News
Private Sector Engagement for Climate Action in Pakistan

A joint event titled “Working Together for Sustainable Mountain Development: Private Sector Engagement for Climate Action in Pakistan” was organized ...

8 Jun 2016 Livelihoods
Nepal’s Allo Value Chain Goes Green

More and more products and services today pass through a global value chain to reach consumers. The goal of optimising ...

15 Jun 2015 KSL
Strengthening the allo value chain in Khar VDC, Darchula, Nepal

Allo (Girardinia diversifolia), or Himalayan nettle, is traditionally used in Nepal to make cloth. Its bark contains fibres that are ...

4 Apr 2018 News
ICIMOD Regional Board Member Ding Zhongli Elected Vice Chairperson of China National People’s Congress Standing Committee

Born in 1957, Ding is a Chinese geologist and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He ...