Dhading, February 1-Illegal excavation of river products has been rampant in Dhading for long, and local authorities suspect government bodies are hand in gloves with smugglers.

“Sand and gravel are being mined illegally from many rivers in the district and the concerned authorities, including the District Development Committee and District Administration Office are keeping mum — what else does it suggest?” said Save Trishuli Campaign Dhading Chairperson Uttam Kandel.

Stating that sand and gravel were being smuggled from Malekhu, Galaudi, Ghatbesi, Belkhu, Chiraundi, Jinsetar and Agrakhola during the night, environmentalists have cautioned the government about such practice and its possible impact on people’s lives.

On his part, District Police Office Chief Dipendra Panjiyar said his office had increased patrolling in the reported areas in response to the barrage of complaints. “As there were a lot of complaints about the suspected illegal mining of local rivers at night, we’ve beefed up patrolling in those areas of late,” said the DSP.

The issue has also been reported through ‘Hello Sarkar’, a phone-in facility that allows public to voice their complains to the Office of the PM.