KANCHANPUR, Nov 28: The local folks in Shuklaphanta Municipality, who are affected by the rivers there, have sought for preferential rights to them in the river products.

During an interaction organized for the consultation to prepare the preliminary environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, the local residents said that interests of the local community affected by Gaudi, Gharkatuwa and Anaukhi rivers should be taken into consideration.

Keshav Singh Dhami, a community person involved for long in the conservation field, said that river products including stones and pebbles should be excavated without hampering the environment and human settlements.

The local people's rights should be the first priority in the use of natural means and resources.

Likewise, Prem Bahadur Khati from Manikandam Tole in the municipality said that they suffered severely last year as the contractor excavated river products from somewhere other than the given location.

Another local resident Daman Thagunna said that the rivulets have entered the human settlement as the contractor excavated river products even by reaching up to Chure region.

"Preparations are ongoing to award contract bidding for the collection of river products. Now, the Mayor should take responsibility for the safety of the settlements," Thagunna added.

The stakeholders and local people have asked the local authorities to build a strong dam since the river could enter the human settlements after the river products excavation adding that they should be given the amount received by the municipality in royalty.

On the occasion, Mayor Rana Bahadur Mahara said a contract for the collection and excavation of river products would be awarded based on the EIA report. He also pledged to allocate the highest possible amount received in royalty from the contract to the affected communities.

 
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