By Chitra Mijar
Sindhupalchowk, Feb. 12: The crusher industries of Nepal have been operating beyond the bounds of set guidelines for a long time. Despite the government's directive urging such industries against illicit mining, they continue extracting river-based products in a blatant disregard to the stipulated objectives.
As a result of unchecked sand processing and mining at river banks within Sunkoshi, Indrawati, the nearby settlements have witnessed a surge in landslides while also being increasingly susceptible to flood.
The government provisions have a host of rules for industries to abide by. They have to abide by all the points of the preliminary environment test report, have sheds for crusher machines, plantation of trees at the buffer zone, and establishing industry two kilometres away from the thick forest. It has also stated that the crusher and sand processing industries should be run at a distance of over 300 metres from the river banks. Crusher industries, however, have failed to abide by these criteria and standards.
Home Ministry had banned the 32 crusher companies operating in Sindhupalchowk from the Nepali month of Mangshir to Poush. Likewise, Bagmati Province government had also filed a letter addressing the Sindhupalchowk District Administration Office and District Coordination Committee to continue the ban for those companies which have not fulfilled the required standards.
"The Chief Administration Office and Coordination Committee both have failed to stop crusher industries from operating against the set guidelines," said Sukdev Risal, chairperson of Sundari Rural Municipality Ward No. 3.
Risal also alleged the crusher companies of enjoying certain impunity given their association with powerful people. "People's representatives, politicians and government officials all have a vested interest in crusher industries, as a result of which, they have gone unscrutinised for so long," said Ward chair Risal.
According to the CDO, though, all crusher companies which have failed to address the government directives will have their license cancelled by the end of Asar.