CG's toxic waste pollutes water, wildlife at risk

BY BOM LAL GIRI,Nawalpur, Apr. 27: A study team has concluded that improper management of liquid waste from Chaudhary Group-operated industries in Nawalpur has been causing a severe spread of foul odour in the nearby area. The study also indicates a high risk of contamination of underground water sources.

It was found that untreated wastewater and foul-smelling water are being directly discharged into rivers without any processing. Conservationists have expressed concern that this could directly affect wildlife health, while residents have been most severely affected by the persistent stench. The report states that untreated and heavily polluted water is flowing into the Narayani River via the Karkadaha stream in Devchuli, and that wild animals are reportedly drinking from the same contaminated source.

Locals have repeatedly protested against pollution caused by industrial discharge, even going as far as locking the CG Industries office. They also submitted a memorandum when former Home Minister Sudan Gurung visited Nawalpur. Previously, Gorkhapatra Daily published a news report titled ‘Pradushan le basisthan ferdai janawar.’

Following widespread concern and pressure, a monitoring and inspection committee was formed on the directive of the Prime Minister by the District Administration Office on April 17. The committee was coordinated by Assistant Chief District Officer Chiranjeevi Rana and included representatives from Chitwan National Park, the municipality’s environment branch, ward chairs of Devchuli-1, 2, and 3, the sub-division forest office, and Gen-Z representatives.

After a seven-day study, the committee prepared its report. According to the report, harmful and untreated foul-smelling water is being discharged into the Narayani River, and since wildlife is drinking this water, the committee has recommended an immediate halt to the discharge of untreated wastewater and suggested further action by the federal government, informed committee coordinator Assistant CDO Rana.

Within Devchuli Municipality of Nawalpur, the Chaudhary Group Industries Park spans 70 bighas, and CG-affiliated industries, including CG Foods Nepal Ltd., CG Brewery Nepal Ltd., CG Print and Packaging Ltd., Perfect Blends Nepal Pvt. Ltd., and CG Future Factory Pvt. Ltd. operate across 25 bighas, totalling six industries in the area.

Among these, CG Foods Nepal, CG Brewery Nepal, and CG Print and Packaging discharge wastewater, which is collected and sent to a central treatment plant. Committee member and Devchuli-2 Ward Chair Sharad Prasad Ghimire said that although it was treated and then discharged, the study team found that due to excess volume beyond the plant’s capacity, some untreated water is entering rivers directly.

Concern from Chitwan National Park

After it was found that chemically mixed wastewater from the industries is also being consumed by wildlife, Chitwan National Park has expressed concern. The park had previously collected water samples from three locations between the industry site and the Narayani River and sent them to Kathmandu for testing.

According to the test report, the highest level of harmful contamination was found near the industrial area, but the impact was seen to decrease as the water flowed downstream toward the Narayani River due to dilution. Park Chief Senior Conservation Officer Dr. Ganesh Pant said, “It is natural for chemical concentration to reduce downstream due to water flow, but this is not an acceptable situation. The park is seriously concerned about this issue.”

Violation of Previous Agreements

The committee also found that previously made agreements have not been implemented by the industries. It was stated that an agreement made with the local struggle committee on November 26, 2024, has not been honoured. At that time, it was agreed that the installation of a new boiler would be completed within six months.

According to Assistant CDO Rana, there was an agreement to increase the treatment plant’s capacity from 900 kilolitres per day to 1,500 kilolitres, but no progress has been made so far. 

The Ministry of Forests and Environment’s Environment Department had also instructed the industry to measure dust, smoke, and noise emissions and submit self-monitoring reports every six months to the department and local authorities. However, no such reports have been submitted to date, Rana added. Likewise, no self-monitoring evaluation report of wastewater discharge has been submitted to either the municipality or the department.

Committee member Ghimire stated that although the Chaudhary Group Industries Park, one of the country’s leading industrial institutions, has contributed to economic activity, job creation, and revenue generation, the industry and its operators are not above the law. He proposed expanding plant capacity, replacing biomass boilers with electric boilers, and taking responsibility for environmental protection as well as the health of residents and wildlife..