Dhading, August 1

Authorities in Dhading have decided to ban the use of heavy equipment for excavation of river products.

Acting on a complaint regarding the increased illegal excavation under way in the different rivers and rivulets of the district, a meeting of the District Coordination Committee has decided to take stringent measures to totally control the use of heavy equipment for excavation.

“Though we had cautioned the party concerned not to use heavy equipment for excavation in the past, the illegal practice couldn’t be controlled,” said District Coordination Committee Chief Jagannath Nepal. “Now that we’ve taken a decision to this effect through a meeting, we mean to really enforce the provision by taking the help of security personnel, if required,” the DCC chief added.

“Excavation with heavy equipment is an illegal act in itself. Besides, it might also cause changes in the course of the river, which could further spell danger to the people living on the river front downstream. That’s why, we had to take the decision,” said Chief District Officer Bhagirath Pande.

Further, Pande also asked for cooperation from all quarters of society for successful implementation of the decision.

The law of the land has clearly proscribed any excavation in the rivers done with heavy equipment for three months from mid-June to mid-September.