Emission of hazardous gases and chemicals by brick kilns are a cause for concern in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Their numbers have risen rapidly over the years across the valley. "But the present laws are not adequate to punish the owners of these kilns who have illegally set up their units in the surrounding areas of the capital," said Mani Poudyal, director general of the country's department of cottage and small industries. According to the norms, these kilns should be established five kilometres away from a public area and they should take all possible steps to control emissions of hazardous gases.
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