India, March 1 -- Nearly 500 illegal brick kilns are reportedly operating across parts of the Boko-Chhaygaon co-district in Assam's Kamrup district, prompting concern among residents and civil society groups over environmental degradation and significant loss of government revenue.

The proliferation is most visible in Haribhanga, Ghilabari, Bamunbari and neighbouring villages, with several areas under the Nagarbera and Chamaria revenue circles witnessing a sharp rise in unauthorised units.

Sources said the offices of the Boko and Chamaria revenue circles had earlier issued warnings against the mushrooming kilns. However, construction and operations are alleged to have continued without interruption. Civil society organisations have expr...