Namkha bans illegal extraction of riverine materials

By Rajan Rawat,Humla, Jan. 13: Namkha Rural Municipality has imposed a ban on illegal extraction, transportation, storage and sale of stone, gravel and sand within its jurisdiction. 

The move follows a rise in unregulated and unlawful extraction and storing of construction materials.

Planning Officer of the rural municipality Mohan Bahadur Shahi said that the rural municipality has issued a public notice ordering the immediate halt of illegal extraction from rivers, streams, gullies, hills and other natural resource areas under its authority, as such activities have intensified.

According to the municipality riverine materials are illegally extracted for both private and public construction works from areas stretching from Hekpa Khola in Ward No. 1 to Hilsa in Ward No. 5.

Although contract arrangements for the extraction and sale of these materials for the current fiscal year are being carried out in line with existing laws, illegal extraction and trade by some contractors, consumers, drivers and individuals have been noticed. The rural municipality has issued a first warning to stop such activities.

Shahi said that under the Local Government Operation Act 2017, the Environment Protection Act 2019, and prevailing laws, standards and procedures related to natural resource management, the extraction, transportation, storage and sale of stone, gravel and sand without meeting legal requirements is completely illegal. 

He added that joint inspections may be carried out by monitoring teams deployed by the municipality, security agencies and other relevant bodies.

If illegal extraction, transportation or sale are found during inspections, the materials, along with vehicles, machinery and equipment used, will be seized immediately, and those involved individuals, businesses or institutions will face fines, recovery of damages and further legal action in accordance with the law.