BAGLUNG: Riverine materials extracted illegally from the Kaligandaki River have been seized at the initiative of the District Coordination Committee, Baglung, and sent to Baglung Municipality for further action.
According to officials, a total of 4,972 cubic meters of sand collected from Dablyang in Baglung Municipality-10 and Bhatekhola Bagar (river bank) were confiscated. The illegally gathered sand had been stockpiled for sale, bypassing legal processes and tax obligations.
As a result of the seizure, Baglung Municipality has collected Rs. 1.5 million in revenue and taken action against several individuals and crusher operators involved in the illegal excavation. Revenue Branch Chief Saraswati Regmi stated that sand extraction from riverbeds, including Bhatekhola Bagar and Dablyang Bagar, was carried out in violation of the law.
“There is a legal provision prohibiting the extraction of river resources. However, materials stored near the riverbanks were exploited at night. These were later confiscated, and appropriate revenue was collected,” said Regmi.
District Coordination Committee Chief Amar Bahadur Thapa emphasized the importance of curbing illegal extraction, noting that such activities not only harm the environment but also deprive local governments of revenue.
“At present, sand cannot be extracted from the Kaligandaki River. Only after signing a contract and following legal standards can such resources be utilized,” Thapa said. “But illegal operations are continuing in the dark of night. We’ve started imposing fines based on the quantity of sand seized, and this campaign will soon expand beyond Baglung Municipality to other areas of the district.”
He stressed the need to put an end to unauthorized extraction and ensure that natural resources are used responsibly.
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