Zigzag Brick Kilns in Jhang: A Solution to Air Pollution

Winters in Jhang are no different from those elsewhere in Punjab. The air carries the same hazardous signs felt across the whole of Punjab. Black smoke, visible haze, and dangerous particulate matter push the air quality to dangerous levels. One of the most prominent reasons for such a situation is the use of conventional brick kilns. This problem can be solved by installing zigzag technology, which not only reduces emissions but also improves brick quality. It should be ensured that every kiln operates to the standard level and utilizes zigzag firing technology.

Importance of kilns in Jhang

Approximately 171 kilns are installed in Jhang, but unfortunately, many kilns use the FCBTK (Fixed Chimney Bull’s Trench Kiln) methodology. Insufficient fuel burning, dense black smoke, CO (carbon monoxide), SO₂ (sulphur dioxide), NO (nitric oxide), and particulate matter from such traditional kilns lead to various health problems. Not only this, but major breathing problems are also reported because the particulate matter (PM2.5) tends to penetrate deep into the lungs and worsen asthma. People residing near such areas are exposed to greater risks. In September 2026, an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 154 and PM2.5 levels of 59.2 micrograms per cubic meter were recorded in Jhang, indicating unhealthy air quality. This shows the importance of taking action in Jhang.

What does zigzag technology change?

A zigzag kiln changes the way hot gases move through the brick-setting chamber. A zigzag route reduces the release of gases to increase the heat transmission to the adjacent atmosphere. With this technology, bricks absorb the maximum amount of heat before the gases escape, and it also aids in efficient combustion and reduced fuel consumption. As a result, emissions are reduced, which means less smoke and fewer pollutants are produced.

The benefits are quite clear for the environment. A 2025 study compared fixed-chimney Bull’s Trench kilns with induced-draught zigzag kilns in four districts of Punjab. The results showed that zigzag kilns cut carbon monoxide emissions by 35 percent. Carbon dioxide dropped by 26 percent. Sulphur dioxide went down by 17.6 percent. Nitrogen oxides were reduced by 4 percent. The same study also found a 10 percent drop in fuel use and a 42 percent rise in brick production. Other sources also back these numbers.

ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) says that zigzag technology can cut particulate matter (PM2.5) by 35 percent. It also reduces carbon dioxide by around 30 percent. A policy report on Punjab’s brick sector estimates bigger drops: 30 percent for carbon dioxide, 80 percent for black carbon and 35 percent for PM2.5 when cleaner kilns are used.

These numbers do not mean zigzag kilns stop pollution completely. The quality of fuel, how well the kiln is maintained, the skill of the operator, and how strictly rules are enforced all matter. When everything is done right, the switch to zigzag kilns can lead to a much cleaner way to make bricks. The pollution intensity of brick-making drops significantly.

Punjab already has the policy

Punjab is advancing towards a cleaner environment, having mandated the transition from old fixed-chimney Bull’s Trench kilns to zigzag technology in 2020. This initiative includes awareness campaigns, support, and strict enforcement, which result in fines and restrictions on fuel use. The Punjab Smog Mitigation Roadmap for 2024–25 points out brick kilns as sources of pollution and encourages more use of zigzag technology. In 2024, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency checked thousands of kilns, closed down those that were not following the rules, and imposed punishments. Jhang saw action, with 11.6 million rupees in fines imposed for breaking the rules. This shows how hard it is to make sure brick kilns follow the rules every day. It also shows how important it is to monitor and take action.

The opportunity for Jhang

In Jhang, the key issue is not only the conversion of kilns but also ensuring that every operational kiln uses the zigzag design, follows trained firing methods, uses approved fuels, and is properly monitored. A trustworthy local plan must prioritize verification over registration, and district EPA teams should conduct physical inspections of each kiln. They must inspect chimney designs, brick arrangements, functional induced-draught systems, fuel storage, and smoke emissions, avoiding dependence on paperwork. The kiln operators and fire masters need hands-on training that covers brick stacking, firing cycle management, airflow control, and safe fuel handling. Fuel quality must stay high because compliant kilns can fail when they use substandard materials. Transparent monitoring with QR codes, geo-tagging, and chimney cameras can help spot repeat offenders. Financial support is also important, as small kiln owners often miss out on loans or technical help. Therefore, subsidies and community involvement become essential for compliance in Punjab’s brick sector.

A benefit for Jhang

If Jhang's 171 kilns operated efficiently as zigzag units, this would not completely solve the smog problem, but it would significantly reduce local pollution. A Punjab field study found a 35% reduction in CO emissions and a 26% reduction in CO₂ emissions. Zigzag kilns would emit fewer pollutants, use less fuel, and generate more output. The most considerable local advantage would be decreased smoke emissions. Research in Faisalabad showed that zigzag kilns had lower smoke opacity than traditional ones. For residents downwind, especially vulnerable children and older people, this would improve air quality significantly.

Lesson for Jhang

Jhang’s brick kilns teach an important lesson: technology only works when it is used the right way. Zigzag kilns are one of the ways to cut down air pollution from making bricks, but they require proper changes, skilled workers, clean fuel, and constant checks.

If Jhang makes sure every brick kiln that is running is a well-run zigzag kiln, it can make a big move toward cleaner air. This will not fix Punjab’s smog problem by itself, but it will get rid of a pollution source that can be avoided, and it will help people in Jhang breathe cleaner air.