PARBAT, Dec 2: Locals are demanding the operation of the stone quarry in Modi Rural Municipality of Parbat, which has remained closed for the past 16 years. Previously, the quarry's products, in high demand for roofing, construction, and slate, caused significant losses to the residents when it was closed.

The quarry was shut down in 2064 BS after residents of Deurali, Kang, and Bhuktang claimed ownership of it. Narsingh Pun, the then chair of Kang Village Development Committee, mentioned that it was closed due to disputes among people over claims to the quarry. Despite being located within a community forest, the ownership was transferred to the community, and the district forest office nationalized the forest to resolve the conflict.

More than two dozen laborers from three villages were directly employed, and the stones extracted from the quarry were used in various places in Baglung and Myagdi in the Dhaulagiri region. Since the closure, families like that of Bhane Bahadur BK, who collected and sold stones, had to find alternative livelihoods, leading to unemployment.

There are five stone quarries within a one-kilometer area. VDC Chair Pun highlighted that houses with stone roofs look attractive and are highly durable.

Hiradevi Sharma, the chairperson of Modi Rural Municipality, stated that initiatives are underway to resume the operation of the stone quarry. Initially, a road to the quarry will be constructed, and coordination with relevant agencies, including the Division Forest Office, will be carried out to bring the quarry back into operation.

 
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