Heaps of rock and gravel excavated illegally by contractors and mining firms can be seen along the way from Galchhi to Devighat. However, the District Development Committee (DDC), Nuwakot, has come out openly in support of the excavations.
“We did not issue the permits to allow mining firms to carry out smuggling of rocks and gravels,” said Local Development Officer (LDO) Narayan Risal. “The permits were granted upon the request from Bharatpur Road Division Office that said the aggregates were required for a bridge construction project,” he added.
He, however, refused to comment on the illegal mining taking place about 500 meters ahead from the area and claimed that no illegal activities were going on in the area.
LDO Risal further claimed that he had not accepted any form of commission for issuing the permits. “The decision to grant the permits was not taken under any kind of influence," said Risal, adding threateningly, "I know how to deal with people who try to defame me.”
Rajendra Thapaliya, who was awarded the contract for the bridge construction, said that the excavation works were being carried out to construct bridge for better transportation.
Meanwhile, Hira Nath Khatiwada, district chairman of UCPN (Maoist), said, “Mining should not be allowed in and near the rivers under any pretexts."
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