Supreme Court Orders Shutdown of Brick Kilns in Panauti Citing Environmental and Health Hazards

Kavrepalanchok: The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued a mandamus order to shut down all brick kilns operating in Panauti Municipality of Kavrepalanchok, citing serious threats to the environment, public health, and archaeological heritage.

The verdict came in response to a writ petition filed by local residents and activists, including Shreekrishna Dhimal, on December 29, 2019 (Poush 14, 2076 BS). The petition had named several government bodies as defendants, including Panauti Municipality, the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Archaeology.

A joint bench of Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Sharanga Subedi issued the final decision on March 25, 2025 (Chaitra 12, 2081 BS)—nearly five years after the petition was initially filed.

The writ argued that the brick kilns were operating without adhering to mandatory environmental standards, contributing to air pollution, soil degradation, and risking the destruction of ancient monuments. Petitioners also highlighted severe health impacts on local residents and declining agricultural productivity in the area.

Panauti, known for its archaeological and religious significance dating back to the Kirat and Licchavi periods, was reportedly under threat due to unregulated excavation of clay soil by the kilns.

Currently, eight brick kilns are in operation in Panauti:

• Himalayan Multipurpose Company Pvt. Ltd.

• Navadurga Bhawani Brick Industry

• Upakar Chimney Brick Industry

• Jai Bhimsen Brick Industry

• Veer Hanuman Brick Factory

• Palanchok Bhawani Fixed Chimney Industry

• Suvarneshwari Brick Industry

• Palanchok Bhagawati Brick Factory

Some of these kilns are located dangerously close to schools, further alarming residents. Locals accused Mayor Mahesh Kharel of facilitating the illegal operation of these kilns instead of taking action.

With this court order, all brick kilns violating environmental and health standards in the area are expected to be shut down immediately.