Melamchi Project ignores environment protection: NEFEJ

Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) has shown concern over the Melamchi Drinking Water Project’s ignorance towards environmental protection.

The study on the implementation of the environment management plan of the project showed it, NEFEJ argued. The study was conducted for the update of the implantation of the environment management plan set as part of environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the project. No measures were taken to reduce the negative impacts on the environment, it added.

The term of environment officer was reduced, and even the quota for the post was removed, the study mentioned, adding that the programmes run with the assistance of the mega-project ensured socio-economic improvement in the local people but increased their dependency. Similarly, it was pointed out that the tunnel lacked adequate oxygen and sources of water dried in some places while constructing a tunnel. The project has been suggested for sanitation and pure drinking water at labor camps and management of waste disposal.

Degradation of aquatic biodiversity, a decrease of food products, and difficulty on the life of fishermen are other points that need attention, stated in the study report.