MAHOTTARI, MAY 26
Residents of the district have suggested that the newly elected representatives at the local levels make the protection and conservation of natural resources as their main agenda.
Though local level representatives have stated that education, health, and infrastructure development are among their priorities, the general public has stressed the need to preserve natural resources.
In this regard, Vijay Kumar Singh of Megharol in Ward No 7 of Bhangaha Municipality said failure to implement scientific method of excavation control and conservation of heritage would have an impact on the entire district.
The responsibility of preserving natural resources has fallen on the shoulders of the newly elected representatives.
Natural disasters are on the rise due to lack of clear standards and uncontrolled excavation.
As a result, disasters such as landslides, soil erosion and inundation have increased.
Singh also reminded that most of the candidates in election campaigning had pledged to protect natural resources and stop uncontrolled excavations. "Hence, the illegal crusher industry should be shut down."
Likewise, Lalan Mandal of Pashupatinagar in Ward 9 of Bardibas Municipality expressed concern about the lack of implementation of such commitments made by political leaders.
Khadga Bahadur Singh, 75, of Ward No 14 of Bardibas Municipality said the protection of Chure mountain range should be a priority issue.
"Chure hills and the surrounding range are the sources of most rivers flowing through the district. Hence, it is necessary to protect the Chure mountain range," he said.
Sarita Dhungana of Gauridanda, Ward No 3 of Bardibas Municipality said uncontrolled exploitation had increased in rivers and river basin areas of Bardibas. The problem of erosion and inundation has been increasing due to rampant illegal excavation of sand and stone quarries.
At present, there are more than 50 illegally operated crusher industries in the rivers and river-basin lands of Bardibas, Gaushala, Bhangaha and other municipal areas. The newly elected people's representatives have a huge responsibility to do away with such illegal crusher industries.
A version of this article appears in the print on May 27, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
