Relocation of Bhrikuti Paper factory demanded

By Homraj Ranabhat Gaindakot, June 23: It has been more than a decade since the Bhrikuti Paper Factory, first paper producer of Nepal, has remained completely closed. Constructed 42 years ago under the support of the Chinese government, Bhrikuti Paper Factory is in ruins now.

The factory was shut permanently in 2011 following the continuous dispute between workers and the factory administration. Many argue that privatisation of the factory had bred the conflict.

The then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had granted the factory on lease to Golchha Group at Rs. 309.8 million. The factory spreads in an area of 56 bighas of land which falls in Ward No. 2, 5 and 6 of Gaindakot.

“Millions worth of machineries in the factory alongside buildings have started to wear out. It is no more the country’s biggest paper producer because it is in a dilapidated condition,” said Bed Prasad Gaudel, coordinator at Bhrikuti Paper Factory Stakeholder Committee.

According to locals, the derelict building has also affected the beauty of the area. The factory is still under the lease of Golchha Organisations but the company has remained uninterested towards it. Locals had formed a committee to protect or relocate the factory situated along the highway in Ward No. 2 of Gaindakot Municipality citing its poor state.

“Through the committee we have called the attention of local, provincial and federal government as well as Golchha Organisation,” said Gaudel.

The factory premises have also been reduced into a habitat for poisonous snakes alongside wolves and other wildlife. Local youths are also found entering the factory to consume drugs and engage in other illicit activities.

“Dense bushes have grown throughout the factory attracting wildlife. There are dangerous chemicals inside as well. It has posed dangers to the nearby settlements,” said Narayan Sapkota, a member of the committee.

Following the issue, the locals have been lobbying to relocate the factory.

“We are planning a common agenda against the factory through a meeting of the municipal council. Old infrastructures, gases and tin roofs have posed risk to the villagers as well due to which we will come to a conclusion soon,” said Madan Bhakta Adhikari, mayor of Gaindakot Municipality.

Adhikari also informed that they will urge provincial and federal government for necessary support by making them aware of the condition of the factory.

The committee demanded that the factory should either be managed properly or relocated. Locals have also accused all three tiers of the government for being indifferent to bringing the factory in operation or relocating it.

“Bhrikuti Paper Factory is a legend and if it would have been in operation, the country would have benefitted a lot. It couldn’t operate under the existing laws and policies,” said Chhabi Kandel, general secretary at Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Nawalpur. The paper produced in the factory was exported throughout the global market earlier.

 “The 340 labourers who worked in the factory while it was in operation have not received their Rs. 10 million remuneration until today. We have protested multiple times and have received several assurances but we haven’t received the money yet,” said Homnath Kandel, one of the labourers.