Locals, politicians oppose asphalt plant near historic temple in Panchkhal

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 25: Strong public opposition has erupted against the proposed construction of an asphalt batching plant in Panchkhal Municipality, Kavrepalanchowk district, with residents, political leaders, and environmental activists raising serious concerns about its impact on health, environment, and heritage.

A public hearing held on last Monday turned tense and a large number of police had to be deployed to prevent clashes between protesting locals and supporters of the plant. 

Residents have strongly objected to the plant's location, citing its proximity to the historic Subarneshwor Mahadev Temple—believed to date back to the Lichchhavi era—and its potential environmental hazards.

Bandan Bhagwati Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. is going to build the plant in Panchkhal Municiplaity-8.

Locals have alleged that the plant is being built without a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), violating environmental regulations. 

They said the construction company had already started supplying equipment to the construction site before conducting public hearings and an EIA.

The opposition is rooted in past experiences. Locals said that they are still suffering from the health and agricultural impacts of brick kilns previously operating in the area.

However, on March 25, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of brick kilns operating in Panchkhal Municipality Ward Nos. 7, 8, 9 and 12 of Kavrepalanchowk district, citing serious impact on the environment and public health.The Supreme Court issued the order after hearing a writ petition filed by locals. 

All these industries are operating in agricultural areas, densely populated areas, forests, schools, rivers, archaeological sites, ponds and temples.

Residents fear the asphalt plant will replicate these harms, further damaging their health, polluting the air, and affecting agricultural productivity in the region—an area known for its farming potential. Initially, local levels of all major political parties except the Nepali Congress issued a joint statement opposing the project, citing risks to public health and the environment. 

Local leaders from CPN-UML, Maoist Centre, and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) expressed firm opposition to the plant. 

However, following increasing public pressure and concerns in Parliament, the Nepali Congress, Constitutioncy-2 (A), Kavrepalanchowk also issued a statement on August 22 opposing the establishment of the asphalt plant. Influential Congress leaders in the area have also joined the protest.

It stated that the plant installation process itself was flawed and would have a negative impact not only on human health but also on the environment and local heritage.

Locals have been expressing their anger even at Mayor of Panchkhal Municipality Mahesh Kharel after the construction of the plant was carried out in a way that would affect the Subarneshwor Mahadev Temple, which has a history dating back to Lichchhavi period and is located on the border of Wards 8 and 9, and the settlements connected to it.

Earlier attempts to hold public hearings—most recently on August 3, 2025— failed due to strong protests from the residents.

After rising protest and failure to hold public hearing in first attempt, Managing Director of Bandan Bhagwati Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. Ramji Pant had said in a press conference on August 13 that they were going to establish the plant in a way that would not cause pollution.

He said that the asphalt batching plant to be established in Panchkhal would be of international standard and such plants have been established and are in operation in various places, including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchowk.

However, locals have protested, saying that the plant will not benefit the people of Panchkhal and will only increase pollution. 

Members of Parliament representing from Kavrepalanchowk, including Meena Tamang, Rukmini Baraili and Gokul Baskota, have also raised the issue in Parliament and said that the process to establish the asphalt plant should stop immediately.

Many residents argue that instead of polluting industries, the municipality should focus on establishing agricultural processing industries that support the region’s economy and farming communities.

Despite assurances from the company that the plant would be built using pollution-control measures, the locals remain unconvinced. “This project does not benefit Panchkhal’s people. It only serves private interests,” a local protester said. 

They have warned that they will file a lawsuit in court if the plant is built ignoring the voices of the locals.

As the debate escalates, the issue is drawing political, social, and environmental attention across the region. Unless local voices are meaningfully addressed, protests are expected to grow.