MUSTANG: Apple farming has begun on public land in Mustang, raising concerns over unregulated use of public resources.
While the promotion of agriculture, improved local livelihoods, and environmentally-conscious expansion of apple cultivation are timely goals, the growing trend of cultivating apples on public land and riverbanks without coordination with government bodies has sparked debate.
This practice has been observed across all five local levels of the district, where community groups are engaging in collective apple farming. However, issues related to government revenue, land ownership records, and disaster risk mitigation have emerged.
During a public hearing organized by Gharpajhong Rural Municipality on Thursday, locals voiced strong objections to the encroachment of public land.
They pointed out that despite the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 BS empowering local authorities to protect and manage public land, such responsibilities have not been effectively fulfilled.
Participants highlighted riverbed encroachment in areas such as Rajkhola in Gharpajhong-2 Marfa, Syang Khola in Gharpajhong-3, and Dhumba Khola in Gharpajhong-5, where land is being occupied for apple farming and even housing construction. They warned that narrowing riverbeds increases the risk of natural disasters.
With rising temperatures due to climate change in the Himalayan region, the risk of glacial melt, glacier lake outbursts, and flash floods is intensifying. Encroachment on riverbanks and streams could worsen the potential for human and infrastructural damage.
Locals referred to the Kagbeni flood on Shrawan 28, 2080 BS, which caused significant destruction.
They blamed river encroachment for escalating the disaster, citing similar patterns of stream narrowing for apple farming in Marfa Sya and Dhumba Khola.
Similar encroachments are being reported in other municipalities. Although Mustang holds great potential for apple production, the absence of land surveys and legal leasing mechanisms has complicated efforts to manage public land use. As a result, competition over unregulated land use has intensified.
Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal stated that safeguarding public land is primarily the responsibility of local governments.
He confirmed that complaints of encroachment are being investigated and that further inquiry is underway.
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