Damauli, June 1

Illegal extraction of sand, boulders and pebbles from Madi River has increased in Byas Municipality, Tanahun.

According to locals, these materials are being extracted and loaded in tippers and tractors especially during night time. Due to excessive extraction of these materials from the 500-metre periphery of the bridge built over the river, the bridge is facing a high risk of collapse, added locals.

DSP Sunil Malla said police had been mobilised in the area to control illegal mining. DSP Malla further informed that as many as 18 JCV and excavators, three trucks, 24 tippers and 16 tractors had been taken under control and had been handed over to the District Coordination Committee.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for the municipality Mohan Kumar Shrestha said all the stakeholders had to work together to control illegal activities going on in the municipality. “The municipality alone cannot do anything to stop illegal mining,” he added.

DCC Chief Shantiraman Wagle said stern action will be taken against those involved in illegal mining.