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

16 Apr 2015 News
Women learn to invest in flood preparedness

ICIMOD, in partnership with the Institute of Integrated Resource Management (IIRM) and Swayam Sikshyan Prayog (SSP), conducted flood preparedness training ...

11 Jul 2016 News
Angora Rabbits Improving Livelihoods in Pakistan

An Angora rabbit farming pilot initiative was launched as a high value livelihood source for marginalised communities, particularly women in ...

10 Jan 2019 RMS
RMS to facilitate uptake of solutions for resilience building in the HKH

The HKH is undergoing significant changes. Recognizing these changes and building resilience is key to safeguarding livelihoods in rural mountain ...

16 Nov 2015 HKPL
ICIMOD Supports International Conference on Mountain and Climate Change

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) through its Cryosphere Initiative co-organised the International Conference on Mountain and Climate ...

Taungya System Workshop in Chin, Myanmar

Taungya, or shifting cultivation system, is a major food and income production system for the majority of farmers in Chin ...

How a cross-border exchange helped revive a traditional craft

Himalayan nettle is aptly named. The tough plant grows abundantly in most Himalayan forests above 1,500 masl. A hardy fibre ...

1 Apr 2016 News
Building Expertise in CBFEWS

ICIMOD, in collaboration with Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority and Focus Humanitarian Assistance, is planning to pilot Community Based Flood ...

23 Dec 2015 News
A Sunny Future – ICIMOD All Solar

  In its commitment to reduce its institutional carbon foot print and promote renewable energy, ICIMOD signed a contract with Sipradi ...