KATHMANDU: The Department of Mines and Geology (DoMG) has carried out the geo-engineering and environmental study of 22 cities across the country.

DoMG has been carrying out such study by picking one city every year since 1996 with the objective of studying the geo-morphology of the city and whether or not the place is appropriate to develop. It has so far conducted the study of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhadrapur, Dharan, Janakpur, Birendranagar, Tulasipur, Dhangadhi, Bhairahawa, Tikapur, Sindhulimadhi, Hetauda, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Damauli, Bidur, Damak, Banepa and Narayanghat.

DoMG Director General Ram Prasad Ghimire said that the geo-engineering and environmental study of Gulariya town area in Bardiya will be carried out in the current fiscal year. “We have been giving our opinion and suggestions to the local level, the province government and the federal government regarding what kind of structures can be built in which area of the city after conducting the geo-engineering and environmental study,” he said.

In this connection, the DoMG also conducts study to determine which location of the city is at risk of flood, landslide and erosion and where it is appropriate to construct school, hospital, dumping site, underground parking and other structures.

The department believes that such studies will also contribute to the systematic urban development. Such studies will also help reduce disasters if the three tiers of government implemented the department’s suggestions.