Brick Kilns of Umbraj and its Impact on the Lower Reaches of River Tarali / Jagdish B. Sapkale

An intervention by man has serious effects on natural processes. The degree of intervention is the outcome of technological advancements, which exert pressure on the natural resources. The increase in population leads to increasing demand on houses. This has led to extensive increase in construction activity. Brick is the main material used by the construction Industry and silt is the basic raw material for Bricks. This is obtained from the alluvium along the rivers. Excavation of the alluvium from the bed or bank of river leads to change the channel morphology and shifts the channel path. Normally such changes are part of natural processes. The natural processes leading to change are sometimes aided by human interventions also.

The present study discusses the dimensions of brick industry of Umbraj and Extensive silt excavation in Umbraj which is carried on along the banks of Tarali and Krishna rivers. This activity can be noticed in many sites but the concentration of excavation is more prominent in the lower reaches of River Tarali, near the confluence. The excavation activity along the banks and in agricultural fields has resulted in positive and negative impacts in the region. The total annual excavation is 6.6 lakhs cubic metres of alluvium which exceeds permitted quantity (Le. near about 11,000 cubic metres per annum) for silt excavation from the revenue departments. This excavated alluvium is sold at a rate of 15-20 thousand rupees per guntha (i.e. 92.9 sqm). Every year there is a turn over of Rs. 5 crores due to alluvium excavation activities and brick making activities. Now a days brick production has decreased from 30.6 million to 11.3 million in 10 years due to Maharashtra Government's banned on the Brick Industries in the Town areas to control the air pollution. The present study also reveals that human intervention has lead to increase in width of the channel. This has posed certain environmental effects and would affect socio-economic life of the people in near future.