JUMLA: The District Administration Office in Jumla has warned of strict action against individuals and industries involved in the illegal extraction of riverbed materials such as sand, stones, and pebbles.
Chief District Officer Dipak Poudel said legal measures would be enforced if unauthorized mining in the Tila and Hima rivers continues unchecked. He issued the warning during a programme on the Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan held on Monday.
CDO Poudel stated that repeated directives have already been issued to crusher industries and concerned agencies to stop extraction activities carried out without permission. He added that such operations will be shut down soon if they continue, and legal action will be taken against non-compliant industries.
Civil society coordinator Raj Bahadur Mahat said crusher industries have continued operations even after the completion of development projects in the district, leading to illegal extraction and sale of construction materials.
Similarly, Rom Bahadur Mahat, an officer at the District Coordination Committee, noted that unregulated excavation along riverbanks directly contributes to increased disaster risks.
Chandannath Municipality Mayor Raju Singh Kathayat pledged action against those involved in illegal extraction of river materials, saying enforcement would also help increase government revenue.
Tatopani Rural Municipality Chair Nanda Prasad Chaulagain stressed the need for timely planning and coordination to ensure effective disaster management.
Participants in the programme also demanded clear standards for operating crusher industries and stronger regulation of excavation activities. The District Administration Office said it has received multiple complaints that many such industries are operating illegally in the district.
Comment