This site uses cookies, as explained in our terms of use. If you consent, please close this message and continue to use this site.
1 min Read
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.
Share
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.
Related Contents
The Hydropower Transboundary Working Group (TWG) under the Koshi Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Hub (KDKH) focuses on assessing multi-hazard vulnerability ...
Since its inception in 2011, the Cryosphere Initiative at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has made a ...
Other than being catalogued and bound into thick journals to gather dust, what is the use of high-level climate change ...
Adaptation knowledge gaps have been identified, repeatedly, as a barrier to widespread and successful adaptation actions. The
The Support to Rural Livelihoods and Climate Change Adaptation in the Himalayas (Himalica) programme of ICIMOD organized a regional orientation ...
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in collaboration with Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Foundation and Central Himalayan Environment ...
The project conducted interactive trainings and workshops, solicited feedback from the FNBI’s member associations for increased ownership, and mobilized local ...
The glaciers and rivers of the world’s highest mountains took the ...