Tripura’s brick industry faces an acute coal shortage as supplies from Meghalaya halt, threatening shutdown of 300 brick kilns within 10 days. Manufacturers urge government intervention to prevent economic losses, labour crisis, and construction disruption.
The brick manufacturing industry in Tripura is on the brink of a major crisis as an acute coal shortage threatens to shut down nearly 300 brick kilns across the state within the next 10 days. The Tripura Brick Manufacturers Association on Monday warned that unless immediate and coordinated measures are taken to ensure adequate coal supply, the entire sector may be forced to suspend operations.
According to the association, coal stocks available with kiln owners are rapidly depleting and are expected to last no longer than 10 days. Several brick kilns have already ceased operations after exhausting their reserves, raising serious concerns about the future of the construction sector and employment linked to the industry.
Coal Supply Halted for 15 Days
Association president Bibekananda Choudhury said a crucial meeting of brick kiln owners was convened to deliberate on the worsening situation. He stated that coal, the primary fuel for brick production, has not entered the state for the past 15 days.
“We have been facing a serious problem. Coal, which is the lifeline of our industry, was earlier transported from Meghalaya and other sources. However, supplies have stopped completely for the past 15 days. Coal-laden lorries are no longer entering the state, and we are not receiving any coal through railway routes either,” Choudhury said.
The sudden disruption in supply has created panic among kiln owners, many of whom depend solely on coal to maintain production cycles. Without it, brick kilns cannot operate even for a single day.
No Alternative Fuel Available
Choudhury emphasized that there is currently no viable alternative fuel that can sustain brick kiln operations at the required scale and efficiency. In the absence of coal, the industry has been left with little room for adjustment.
“All brick manufacturers have collectively decided that if fuel is not made available immediately, we will have no option but to shut down our units. Without adequate fuel, operations are simply not possible,” he said.
The association estimates that only those kiln owners with older stockpiles are still functioning. Others who have run out of reserves have already halted production. Once the remaining stock is exhausted, not a single brick kiln in the state will be operational.
Economic and Construction Impact
The brick industry plays a crucial role in supporting infrastructure development and private construction projects in the state. A complete shutdown would severely impact housing projects, government infrastructure works, and small-scale construction activities.
Industry experts warn that a halt in brick production could lead to price hikes in building materials, project delays, and significant financial losses for contractors and developers. The ripple effect may also be felt in allied sectors such as transportation, local markets, and small vendors dependent on kiln activities.
In Tripura, there are more than 300 registered brick kilns, of which around 280 are currently operational. The remaining units have already shut down due to various operational or financial challenges. If the coal crisis continues, the number of non-operational units could rise dramatically.
Labour Shortage Adds to Crisis
Apart from the fuel crisis, the brick manufacturing sector is also grappling with a shortage of skilled labour this season. According to Choudhury, many skilled workers responsible for preparing the clay mixture and shaping bricks have not reported for work on time.
“The skilled workers who prepare the mixture that is later shaped into bricks have not arrived this season due to various reasons. Some of them were delayed due to election-related engagements and other factors,” he said.
A majority of brick kilns are reportedly affected by this labour crunch, further slowing down production and compounding the industry’s difficulties.
Declining Sales and Rising Costs
The industry has already been under pressure for the past few years due to sluggish sales and rising operational costs. Choudhury noted that coal prices have steadily increased, squeezing profit margins and making it difficult for manufacturers to remain financially stable.
“With rising coal prices and declining brick sales, our margins have narrowed significantly. This crisis has further deepened our financial stress,” he said.
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Manufacturers fear that prolonged disruption may push many small and medium kiln owners into severe financial distress, potentially leading to permanent closures.
Appeal for Government Intervention
The association has appealed to the state government to step in urgently and facilitate coal supply through railways or alternative transport channels. They believe that swift administrative intervention could help restore normalcy before the situation spirals out of control.
“We urge the government to make efforts to bring coal through railways or any other suitable transport medium so that we can cope with this crisis,” Choudhury appealed.
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With only 10 days of coal stock remaining, the coming days are critical for the survival of the brick industry in the state. Unless immediate steps are taken to resume coal supply, Tripura’s brick kilns may face a complete shutdown, triggering a chain reaction that could impact construction, employment, and the broader state economy.
