Stones are extracted on daily basis from around two dozen mining sites in the VDC. Despite the growing danger to the environment and growing possibility of landslides in the region, the work is going on unabated. [break]
According to the locals, most of the mining sites are at ward numbers 2 and 9 of Tarakhola VDC. The extraction of stones has put Lanuwa Fedi, Dhamweng, Dhasma, Chelarkhola, Malarani, Karanse and Hile, among other areas in serious danger, they said. In addition, those responsible for the mining work against an earlier arrangement have stopped providing certain portion of the profit to the public schools in the areas.
Talking to Republica, Dil Bahadur Serjuwa of Tarakhola VDC-2 said the haphazardly run mines have badly affected the environment and the localities. “But nothing can be done against it as local representatives of political parties are involved,” he said.
Principal of Durga Bhawani Secondary School Prakash Roka also agreed that the work needs to be stopped immediately in view of the danger posed to the environment.
Naresh KC and Dhan Bahadur Khatri, state committee members of UCPN (Maoist), and Kaladhar Subedi of Nepali Congress particularly involved in the mining works.
Talking to Republica, Subedi said that assistance to the schools would be provided after forming a political mechanism for the purpose. “The schools would be supported as per the need rather than on the basis of equal share,” he added.
The slates and stones extracted from here are used for making slabs and are sold in Baglung and other places.
Talking about the issue, Assistant Forest Officer Bhuwaneshwar Mallik said those running mines need to seek permits. “If the operations pose danger to the environment or the people in the locality, even those legally run mines could be stopped,” he said.
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