BIRGUNJ: In the backdrop of India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s upcoming Nepal visit on Thursday, cement manufacturers of Birgunj and Parsa have urged the government to take effective actions for solving difficulties faced during import of raw material from India.

According to Bara-Parsa Cement Manufacturer’s Association Chair Ashok Kumar Vaidhya, the Nepali officials should take effective initiations to end the current difficulties faced by 13 cement industries in the Bara-Parsa corridor.

The cement industries are facing difficulties after the Indian railway stopped load-unload of clinker in Raxaul Yard since December 22, 2017.

Cement producers are bearing an additional hauling cost of NRs 2,500-3,000 per metric ton of clinker as they are bound to transport the raw materials from Narayanpur situated 125 kilometers away from Raxaul, manufacturers said.

According to cement producers, immediate provisions of load-unload at Raxaul by implementing pollution control mechanisms should be made while seeking a long term solution to the issue.

The Indian railway forbade loading and unloading of clinker at Raxaul Yard after locals protested, citing increasing pollution in the area.