SINDHULI, May 15: The random extraction of sand, aggregates and stones in the Sunkosi River is not only taking a heavy toll on the nearby environment but also on the natural beauty of the river.

Crusher plants operators have been exploiting the sand and stones in the Sunkoshi River from Khurkot in Golanjor rural municipality to various places in the Sunkoshi rural municipality.

Large holes have developed in various places in the River while the river has changed its course in some places due to random sand mining. The crusher plants operators from Ramechhap and Sindhuli have been using excavators to extract sand and stones under the cover of local representatives, said Manoj Dahal, a local.

“Many an excavator are being used in the Sunkoshi River, said Dahal, adding, “The resources have been exploited to the extent that it has turned the river bleak. It is likely that the river will run dry soon unless the ongoing mining activities are halted immediately. The river has also changed its course.”

Locals have started staging protests over the random extraction. However, the extraction is taking place unabated, Kapil Koirala of Sunkoshi rural municipality.

Despite agreement to use only three to four tippers by six crusher plants of the rural municipality, over hundreds of tippers are seen in the Sunkoshi River, according to Koirala.

 
• random
 
• sand
 
• mining
 
• taking
 
• toll
 
• sunkoshi
 
• river