PMO directs strict regulation of riverbed and mineral resource extraction

Kathmandu: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has directed concerned ministries and all levels of government to carry out excavation and collection of riverbed and mineral resources only in accordance with approved standards, environmental impact assessments and prevailing laws.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued the directive after receiving complaints and information about uncontrolled extraction, collection, transportation, sale and distribution of construction materials such as stones, gravel, sand and soil at the local level.

The Office has instructed authorities to make the extraction, transportation and use of riverbed and mineral resources systematic, transparent and sustainable in line with existing laws, standards and policies related to natural resource conservation. It has also stressed the need to discourage excessive exploitation and prevent shortages of construction materials needed for development projects.

The directive has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, the National Vigilance Center, all Chief Ministers and local levels.

To control illegal excavation and transportation, authorities have been instructed to conduct regular patrols, monitor sensitive areas in the presence of local residents and immediately stop unauthorized activities through the police administration.

The Office has also directed that excavation work be carried out only in ways that do not damage rivers, streams, forests, agricultural land and settlements. Local governments have been asked to allow excavation of river materials only between 6 am and 6 pm daily.

The directive also emphasizes worker safety, environmental protection and protection of local community interests during mining activities. Local levels have been instructed to ensure bills are issued based on actual transaction prices to prevent revenue leakage and discourage fake billing practices.

In addition, local governments have been asked to launch public awareness programmes on the sustainable use of river and mineral resources in coordination with stakeholders.