Sludge from sand mining contaminates Trishuli River

Dhading, February 28

There is no sign of any decrease in the unlawful extraction of sand and boulders in the Trishuli River in Dhading.

Slush drained by the sand mines and crusher industries has defiled the river water throughout the year.

More than 47 sand washing industries operating around Prithvi Highway pollute the Trishuli with sludge. Trishuli Save Campaign Coordinator Shrawan Tripathi said gravel and sand mining industries have been operating in nexus with people’s representatives and state agencies, causing erosion of natural resources.

Tripathi had complained with the local level representatives, District Coordination Committee, DAO, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, but no one has taken any initiative to stop contaminating the river water.

According to Tripathi, sand washing industries and crusher industries at Malekhu, Galaudi, Blekhu, Chiraudi, Mahesdobhan, Jinsetar, Nibuwabote and Agrakhola are defiling the river water.

Dhading CDO Shyam Prasad Bhandari said that his office had directed the concerned sand washing industries to clean up the river and pledge to comply with the prevailing law of the land.