Mining activities put settlements at risk

By Santosh Subedi, Pakhribas, June 10: Settlements, drinking water sources and roads in Salbote and Pakhatol of Shahidbhumi Rural Municipality-7, Dhankuta, are increasingly coming under risk due to mining waste from Dantakali Quarry, operated by Shivam Cement Industry. 

The lack of proper management of mining waste has raised concerns among locals. Dantakali Quarry, operating in the Salbote and Pakhatol areas of Shahidbhumi Rural Municipality, has been granted permission to carry out mining activities over an area of approximately 5,946 square kilometres.

Ram Babu Rai, a local said with the onset of the monsoon season, mud, soil and gravel flowing from the quarry into nearby settlements are increasing the level of risk. 

As concerns continue to grow, local people have been demanding immediate and long-term management measures.

Mining waste piled up near the Lungdang settlement has increased the possibility of landslides and the movement of rocks and soil during heavy rainfall. 

Rai said that this could affect not only local settlements but also drinking water sources and rural roads used by residents.

Although the Lungdang settlement has not officially been designated as a mining-affected area, it remains directly impacted by mining waste and debris. Around 23 households live in the settlement.

Meanwhile, Hom Raj Dahal, manager of Dantakali Quarry in Shahidbhumi, said that construction of the necessary infrastructure for waste management has already begun. 

According to him, efforts are underway to build dams to control mud and gravel flowing from the quarry, along with check dams and sedimentation ponds to safely divert water and sludge into streams. The company said that most of the land in Pakhatol, which falls within the mining-affected area, has already been acquired. 

Some locals have reportedly sold their land after receiving compensation. However, according to a local Dewan Dhoj Rai, many people continue to live in high-risk areas despite having sold their land due to various reasons.

The Dhankuta District Administration has urged residents living in mining-affected areas to relocate to safer places. 

A monitoring team led by Assistant Chief District Officer Laxmi Prasad Regmi visited the mining site and advised people not to continue living in hazardous areas after selling their land.