Authorities have initiated a crackdown on illegal mining and crusher industries in Kavre, citing their potential link to recent natural disasters.
Two local levels conducted monitoring operations and shut down seven illegally operating mines and crushers across the district. Bethanchowk Rural Municipality issued a notice ordering the closure of four mines and crusher industries operating without permission in Wards No. 4 and 5, and has started formal action against them.
Following an on-site inspection on Wednesday, a study committee led by the rural municipality’s Vice-Chairman Tara Rana Timilsina directed the closure of Chandeshwari Sand Industry, Ladkeshwor Stone Industry, Khalte Stone Quarry, and RS Chalal Industries Pvt. Ltd. Timilsina said the inspection, carried out as per instructions from the District Administration Office, confirmed unauthorized operations and environmental risks.
Earlier in the second week of March, Panauti Municipality closed three mining and crusher industries operating in Wards No. 2 and 12 after finding that they had failed to renew their standards and were operating beyond their licensed periods. Diamond Stone Mining Pvt. Ltd., Bhaleshwor Roda Dhunga Udyog Pvt. Ltd., and Deeplakshmi Aggregate and Mining Pvt. Ltd. were shut down until further notice.
Authorities have intensified action after severe floods and landslides in late September caused rivers to change course, endangering settlements, eroding surrounding areas, and increasing the silt and mud load in rivers. Highlighting these impacts, the study committee has requested the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to conduct a detailed investigation into the condition of settlements, river systems, mines, forests, and geological stability.
The September disaster claimed 81 lives in Kavrepalanchok, with six people still missing. The floods and landslides destroyed infrastructure worth billions of rupees, including bridges, hospitals, schools, and museums. Among the 13 local levels in the district, Roshi and Bethanchowk rural municipalities, along with Panauti Municipality, suffered the most severe damage.
Local levels most affected by the disaster—Panauti, Roshi, Bethanchowk, and Namobuddha—host a significant concentration of crusher industries and mines. Before the disaster, out of 13 local levels in Kavre, Panauti alone had 14 such industries, Roshi had five, Namobuddha and Bhumlu had four each, Bethanchowk had three, Mandandeupur had two, and Banepa, Temal, and Chauri had one each. - - With inputs from RSS
