In the vicinity between Doddaballapur and Chickballapur near Rajghatta, you can see several traditional clay bricks due to the abundance of clay from the nearby lakes and the rich red soil of the Doddaballapur area, which makes these bricks extra red.

Clay brick is the most common construction material used in buildings, leading to the establishment of many clay brick workshops near Doddaballapur. The demand for these clay bricks is driven by the rapid urbanization of Bangalore and other nearby areas, which requires building materials like clay bricks, sand, jalli (aggregate stone), cement, and other building materials. The clay and soil are sourced from nearby lakes and open lands as the primary raw materials, with Doddaballapur having rich, bright red soil and water sources either from lakes or bore wells.

The soil collected from nearby lakes or open lands is kept in the yard. Upon demand, the soil is first sieved to homogenize it and eliminate foreign particles. The soil and clay mixture is then thoroughly stirred with the required quantity of water for half an hour, a process called kneading.

Molds made of wood or metal are used for moulding purposes. After moulding, the air-drying method is a natural and economical method that doesn’t require any energy. The bricks are laid on the floor to dry for about 7-10 days and are arranged in a cage form so that all sides can dry, under a spacious shaded area.

Once dried, the bricks are transferred to a kiln, as the firing is the final stage of the production of clay brick. Air-dried brick takes its final form after being fired at a temperature that ranges from 850˚C to 950˚C, thus the brick achieves its hardness, strength, and colour. Usually, bituminous coal is used for baking, as charcoal is less efficient and leaves higher residues. The kiln is kept burning for two weeks, after which the baked bricks are collected and properly stored. The bricks are sold wholesale based on demand.

Usually, the clay bricks are sold in the market at around Rs 6 to 7 per pc. Approximately 80% of the workforce consists of migrant workers from UP and Bihar, and manufacturers provide basic amenities like housing near the factory. The remaining workforce, including writers and a few laborers, come from local villages.

The only significant impact is that the high usage of topsoil for clay brick manufacturing leads to soil quality depletion, affecting agricultural productivity.

Shiva is an avid field explorer of history and the environment and is Project Field Researcher at FAIR.