Amid Kathmandu’s rapid urban expansion, the brick industry stands as both a backbone of construction and a source of environmental and social challenges. With over 100 kilns operating across the valley, the industry fuels the city’s infrastructure but also contributes to air pollution, labor exploitation and unsustainable resource use.
Most kilns rely on traditional methods, such as Bull’s Trench Kilns (BTKs) and Clamp Kilns, which are highly polluting and inefficient. During the peak winter season, these kilns release thick plumes of smoke, worsening air quality and impacting public health. Efforts to introduce eco-friendly technologies like the Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) aim to reduce emissions, but adoption has been slow.
Beyond environmental concerns, the industry is also labor-intensive, employing thousands of migrant workers, many of whom face low wages, poor working conditions. NGOs and labor rights groups are pushing for reforms, advocating for fair wages and better conditions.
With Kathmandu’s booming construction sector driving demand, the industry faces mounting pressure to modernize. A shift toward sustainable practices, stricter regulations and improved labor rights could redefine the future of brickmaking in the valley. The question remains—can tradition and progress find a balance?
Photography: Walter E. L. Somers
in collaboration with High Asia Tours
