Illegal Sand Mining Plagues Bagmati River Amid Border Dispute
Summary
Illegal sand mining along the Bagmati River near the Sarlahi-Rautahat border has intensified amid ongoing border disputes, causing environmental damage and raising flood risks during the monsoon.
Key Points
- Illegal sand mining is occurring extensively along the Bagmati River from Sarlahi to Rautahat.
- Border disputes between Sarlahi and Rautahat hinder effective monitoring and control of mining activities.
- Machinery involved in illegal mining has been found hidden to avoid inspection.
- Excessive extraction is damaging the river, threatening embankments, and increasing flood risks during monsoon.
- Authorities plan a joint discussion between districts, security agencies, and stakeholders to resolve the issue and control mining.
- Local residents complain about poor enforcement and lack of regular monitoring leading to unchecked exploitation.
