'Municipalities liable for Irregularities in river material extraction'

By Janarjan Khatri, Sarlahi, April 4: District Administration Office (DAO), Sarlahi, has urged all local governments awarding contracts for river-based materials to strictly monitor and regulate extraction activities.

 Chief District Officer Ramuraj Kadariya on Friday sent a letter to all 20 local bodies in the district, stating that the concerned municipalities and rural municipalities would be held responsible for any irregularities in the extraction of river materials.

Administration office said it had taken serious note of reports in various media outlets and public complaints alleging that river materials within local jurisdictions were being extracted in violation of established standards.

According to the DAO, such irregular extraction has led to soil erosion, floods, landslides, bridge subsidence, human casualties, and negative environmental impacts.

In the letter sent to the local bodies, CDO Kadariya stated that since the management of river materials falls under the jurisdiction of local governments, they are the responsible authorities for ensuring proper regulation.

He urged the local bodies to conduct regular inspections at extraction sites and to initiate legal action in accordance with the law if any irregularities are found.

Kadariya also warned that if any irregularities occur in the extraction, collection, sale, or distribution of river materials, the officials who approved such contracts and permissions would themselves be held accountable.

He further said that the District Administration Office and security agencies would provide necessary support and coordination to prevent and control such irregularities.

According to the administration, copies of the letter have also been sent to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, its secretary, and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration for information.