BRICK-RED, HARSHEST HUE

Thousands of debt-ridden people are languishing in brick kilns across TN that are often notorious for exploitation & bonded labour

FOR brick kiln workers M Karpagam (32) and M Muni (35), the tall tamarind tree near their hut is the only respite from the scorching sun. The couple along with their three children aged 5, 7 and 10, has been residing at a private brick kiln near Anjanchery village in Gingee taluk of Villupuram district for the past three years, and has neen working for a daily income of ₹500 each.

"We live in a mud hut with thatched roof, for it is better when compared to one with cement roof during summer. But this year, things are different.

It's too hot even inside the hut,' said Karpagam.

" Pointing out that it is not just the furnace at the kiln but even the hut that gets red hot, Muni said they pour water around the hut to bring down the temperature.

"We start our work as early as 3 am, laying clay in the brick shelves and letting it dry for the rest of the day.

Since it's very hot this year, the clay dries faster. We make several batches in a day and leave them to dry for a day or two and then burn them in the furnace in the evenings," said Karpagam.