Illegal crusher industries operating in various parts of Nuwakot have been causing suffering to local residents. Illegal extraction in rivers and streams has intensified. Due to weak legal provisions and ineffective regulatory bodies, natural resources are being misused, and there has also been revenue leakage.
In the southeastern part of Nuwakot, along the Likhu River flowing westward through Shivapuri Panchakanya and Likhu Rural Municipality, illegal crusher industries operating at various locations have sparked widespread protests, with locals claiming adverse impacts on their health. Under the pretext of constructing the East-West Mid-Hill Highway, these crusher industries, allegedly protected by various political parties, have been extracting millions worth of river-based materials such as stones, gravel, and sand. Additionally, settlements around these industries are at risk of disasters. During the monsoon, there is a high risk of floods and landslides, while in winter, dust and smoke have made living conditions unbearable, according to locals.
Even though the road section under the Mid-Hill Highway in this area has already been completed, these illegal industries, operating under the project’s name, have continued for the past 10 years due to protection from local representatives and political parties. As these industries continue to operate illegally, the expected revenue collection has also remained unmet. Locals have complained that rivers and streams, which are common community resources, have turned into sources of income for local political actors, and that regulatory bodies have shown little concern.
Chairperson of Shivapuri Rural Municipality, Govinda Prasad Thapaliya, acknowledged that although crusher industries were established for constructing roads under a national pride project, they have continued to operate even after project completion. He stated that while the municipality has attempted to regulate these industries operating under project permits, there are legal limitations. “No written complaints or grievances regarding pollution and environmental exploitation caused by these crusher industries have been received,” said Chairperson Thapaliya. “If complaints are filed, we are ready to take action.” He also claimed that facilitation such as electricity recommendations for these industries has been provided within the legal framework. However, locals have demanded that such support be halted.
From Talakhu in Shivapuri–1 to the area connecting Likhu Rural Municipality, around half a dozen crusher industries are in operation. Locals have been raising concerns that these temporarily permitted industries are illegal. Annual renewals, operational monitoring, and compliance with standards remain beyond the reach of local governments and even district-level monitoring committees. Regulatory bodies are unaware of who extracts stones, gravel, and sand from the river, for what purpose, and where they are transported. Materials produced by crusher industries permitted for specific projects are supposed to be used only for those purposes. However, due to lack of monitoring, illegal activities have been encouraged from extraction to transportation.
Rabin Karki of Sherabagar, Shivapuri–5, shared that illegal extraction of stones, gravel, and sand from the Likhu River has put his house and farmland at risk of erosion. Continuous extraction has caused the riverbed to sink. Agricultural land and settlements near the river are at high risk of erosion. Due to excavation beyond the prescribed depth, the riverbed has deepened to the extent that irrigation canals no longer receive water. Sailo Tamang of Shivapuri–6 reported that one ropani of his farmland has already been swept away by the river due to such illegal extraction. He explained that extraction during winter, when water levels are low, changes the river’s flow during the monsoon, increasing risks to settlements. Despite repeatedly raising concerns with local representatives, no action has been taken, he lamented.
Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Regmi stated that monitoring is underway to determine the legality of crusher industries operating in different parts of Nuwakot and that action will follow. He said that illegal industries will be shut down in coordination with project authorities, local governments, and other relevant bodies involved in granting permits and monitoring. “Based on complaints received from various places regarding the legality of these industries, we are currently collecting data across the district,” he said. “We will work with the concerned agencies responsible for permits, extraction contracts, and revenue collection to shut down those found to be operating illegally.”
He further clarified that since the administration was not previously informed about the illegal status of a crusher industry operating in Sherabagar, Shivapuri–5 for the past 10 years, efforts will now be made to bring all such industries within the legal framework. Local resident Kapil Gotame complained that the crusher industry has severely affected public health and made daily life difficult due to noise pollution. “These industries have been operating illegally for a long time due to weaknesses and protection from regulatory bodies,” he said. “When locals file complaints, they are ignored, and those who speak out face intimidation and threats.” Industries operating under temporary permits have not been renewed for years, evading revenue and operating against standards. Despite the completion of project work in designated areas, these industries have continued for over a decade.
Within just one kilometer of these industries lie sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals. Due to lack of law enforcement, dust and smoke emitted from crusher industries, loud machinery noise, and the movement of heavy vehicles transporting materials have directly impacted these institutions. Schools and hospitals have repeatedly raised complaints seeking regulation and legal action against these illegal industries. Locals are patiently waiting for their concerns to be addressed but have warned that if their demands are ignored, they will be compelled to protest and shut down the illegal crusher industries themselves.