DHADING: Though no longer in operation, a stone mine in Bandregaun village in Baireni of Dhading has been adversely affecting the local environment and people residing in the area.

It has also negatively impacted the community forest and is causing water sources to dry up. The mine has further damaged an irrigation project, which is under construction with the assistance of Asian Development Bank.

Started with an estimated cost of Rs 16.6 million about four years ago, the Daltar Bhaltar Khestekhola Irrigation has suffered due to the illegally operating mine. “Besides other impacts, the mine has damaged the irrigation canal and blocked the canal water course,” said the irrigation project consumers’ committee Chair Modnath Khatiwada.

Earlier, the mine had been shut about four months ago following the complaints about the destruction of forest and damage to the irrigation project.

The illegal mine has done nothing but spoil the environment, said a local.

Basudev Khadka, one of the mine operators, said mining was approved by the government. District Forest Officer Rajendrasingh Bhandari, however, contradicted his claim saying the miners had not sought any permission to operate the mine in the community forest area from the district forest office.

Citing the environmental damage due to random operation of the mine, locals have urged the government to think twice before giving permission to run such mines.

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE