CM Singh inspects crusher industries to control illegal excavation

By Our Correspondent,Dhalkebar, Feb. 11: The Chief Minister of Madhes Province Satish Kumar Singh has intensified monitoring efforts to control the illegal extraction of river-based materials.

He has started inspections and monitoring of unauthorised excavation and the sites where materials such as stones, gravel and sand are used.

On Sunday evening, Chief Minister Singh inspected the Kamalamai Crusher Industry and Kamalamai Sand Processing Industry, located in Portaha of Ganeshman Charnath Municipality -7 in Dhanusha district.

Chief Minister Singh took this step after knowing that crusher industries were using illegally excavated stones, gravel and sand from the Kamala River and its surrounding areas, according to his Press Advisor, Anil Kumar Karna.

During the inspection, Chief Minister Singh instructed that the transportation of stored materials should be halted until their sources and legality are verified. He directed that crusher operations should only resume after discussions with local authorities and the completion of necessary certification procedures.

While inspecting Kamalamai Crusher Industry, the Chief Minister gathered information about the industry’s registration, renewal, initial environmental assessment report, the quantitative stock of stones, gravel and sand and whether excavation had been carried out in compliance with environmental standards.

Similarly, he reviewed whether environmental guidelines were followed during excavation, the depth control measures, and the certification status of the stored materials.

Karna said, “The illegal and excessive extraction of river-based materials from the Kamala River over the years has harmed the river's ecosystem. The large-scale extraction of these materials using JCB machines and other equipment, followed by their transportation to crushers via tractors, has disrupted the environmental balance.”

The inspection revealed that many crusher industries have not adhered to the standards set by their initial environmental assessment reports. Activities such as tree plantation, livelihood support for locals, and awareness programmes, which were supposed to be carried out, were found to be completely halted.

Many crusher industries, operating under the guise of sand processing centers in Dhanusha and surrounding districts, were found to be located in non-compliant areas. Some of these industries were found to be operating close to forests, healthcare institutions sensitive infrastructure like bridges.

Taking the environmental and social impacts of illegal excavation seriously, Chief Minister Singh said that he plans to conduct further on-site inspections in the Kamala River excavation zone. 

These efforts are expected to play a crucial role in river conservation and maintaining environmental balance. Prior to this, he had also conducted an inspection of the Kamala River on Thursday night.