Home Minister orders closure of illegal mining, crusher operations in Roshi area

Kavrepalanchowk, April 7 — Minister for Home Affairs Sudhan Gurung has directed authorities to immediately shut down illegal mining activities and crusher plants operating without meeting regulatory standards in the Roshi area of Panauti Municipality.

During an inspection of flood- and landslide-affected sections along the BP Highway on Tuesday, the Home Minister expressed serious concern over unregulated extraction of sand and aggregates, stating that such activities have significantly contributed to environmental degradation and increased disaster risks in the region.

He instructed concerned agencies to take prompt action against non-compliant operations and warned that both legal and illegal extraction activities would be investigated. Gurung also alleged past political collusion in allowing such operations and cautioned of strict measures if irregularities continue.

The Roshi area witnessed devastating floods and landslides in October last year, resulting in 20 deaths, including a foreign national, while one person remains missing. According to municipal data, 586 houses were destroyed, and 944 others remain at high risk.

The Minister further noted that weak regulatory oversight and improper licensing of natural resource extraction have worsened vulnerability to disasters. He expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of effective control measures against environmental exploitation.

Dozens of crusher plants and mining operations are currently active along the Roshi River corridor.

During the visit, Gurung also assessed damage to infrastructure and held discussions with local stakeholders on recovery efforts and future risk mitigation. He stressed the need for stronger disaster preparedness and directed security agencies to remain on high alert, emphasising lessons from past incidents to improve response mechanisms.