Brick is one of the most commonly used building materials in Nepal with about 3.2 billion bricks produced and consumed annually1. There are 800-850 brick kilns in operation throughout the country1, according to the Federation of Nepal Brick Industries (FNBI). The brick production sector is a huge part of the economy in Nepal with investment in the sector estimated at USD 36 million1. Brick kilns are predominantly found in the Kathmandu Valley and in the flat land of the Terai. There are approximately 110 brick kilns operating within the Kathmandu Valley alone.Brick production is a seasonal industry that generally runs in dry season from December to May. Despite improvements in recent years, brick production continues to have serious inherent environmental and social issues.
