Five Arrested for Illegal Sand and Gravel Extraction in Kailali's Chure Rural Municipality

Dhangadhi. Five individuals were arrested by a forest office team for illegally extracting stones and gravel from the Adheri River in Chure Rural Municipality-4, Kailali.

 The patrol team deployed from the Division Forest Office, Kailali, apprehended them red-handed while they were exploiting riverine materials using an excavator.

Those arrested include the drivers of the backhoe loader, tipper, and tractor used for excavation and transportation. According to the Forest Office, three tippers, one tractor, and one backhoe loader were seized from the scene. They are currently being held in custody while a detailed investigation into the incident is underway.

Divisional Forest Officer Ramabichari Thakur stated that exploiting the river in this manner without any environmental study or permission is illegal. According to him, legal provisions under the Forest Act allow for fines based on the value of the damage, imprisonment, or both for those involved in such offenses.

Furthermore, the Forest Office reported receiving preliminary information that illegal logging and transportation of timber are also occurring in the same area. The office warned that anyone involved in such illegal activities will face the strictest action, stating that patrols and surveillance have been increased to stop the destruction of the Chure region.