Itahari Sub-Metropolis Approves Sand Processing Center Amidst Local Opposition and Ward Chairman's Objections

Itahari. A sand processing center has been moved forward for operation within the settlement in Triveni Chowk, Itahari Sub-Metropolis-3, despite local disagreement and ward objections. Locals have demanded the decision be reversed after the sub-metropolis granted permission amidst allegations that legal procedures such as environmental studies, public discussions, and local consensus were not completed. Although Itahari Sub-Metropolis granted permission for the sand processing center operated by Triveni Budhasubba Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., locals claim that neither the community was consulted nor was the recommendation of the ward office obtained. This raises questions about the legal provisions for environmental protection and the local government operation process.

Locals are angered by the process moving forward without the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Following the commencement of the processing center's construction, locals including Devraj Puri, Kamala Karki, Khagendra Karki, Lochan Shrestha, Pramila Shrestha, and Nirmala Shrestha have submitted applications to the sub-metropolis demanding the immediate revocation of the permit. They stated that the operation of such industries near settlements, schools, and temples would increase dust, noise, and environmental pollution, directly impacting public health.

Local Kamala Karki said that despite the processing center being constructed near her house, she received no formal information or consultation about it. She said, 'I had tried to raise this issue before. But I was told not to speak as it was a matter involving many people.' She added that locals are unaware of the processing center's construction, which has already begun. 'We are worried about what will happen if it causes harm tomorrow. Therefore, our demand is that the concerned bodies provide clear information to the locals. It is unnatural to grant permission for a sand processing center within settlements and residential areas,' Karki said.

Meanwhile, Ward Chairman Umesh Subedi of Ward No. 3 also claimed that there were serious flaws in the processing center's establishment process. He stated that he was ignored, despite the legal provision for a public discussion chaired by the ward chairman during the environmental study. According to him, the environmental study team was supposed to include him in the discussion, but a meeting was held while he was outside Itahari, and upon his arrival, he was only asked to sign the attendance sheet. 'It appears the process has moved forward without the actual participation of the locals,' he said.

Subedi further stated that he had suggested holding another public discussion due to insufficient local participation in the first meeting, but he learned that the permit process moved forward without a second meeting. He informed that he would seek necessary details from the concerned bodies to understand the facts. 'The team had come for the environmental study earlier. The report was supposed to be prepared only after a meeting was held under my chairmanship. However, a meeting was called at 11 AM without consulting me, and when I arrived at 1 PM, I was told to sign, showing only the attendance numbers and names,' he said. 'The fact that the meeting, which should have been under my chairmanship, was held in my absence and with locals signing when no one was present raised suspicion. I stated that the process should be moved forward only after holding further discussions with local participation.'

He specifically mentioned that the consultancy had scheduled the meeting time without his consultation, and although he was informed that locals had already signed, there were doubts about the authenticity of those signatures and attendance. 'Discussions should have been held with the participation of all political parties and locals, but that did not happen. Although the ward does not have the authority to grant permission, the process does not seem to be complete,' said Ward Chairman Subedi. According to him, locals have also submitted applications regarding the processing center. He stated that the process of seeking information from the concerned bodies and understanding the necessary facts would now be initiated. He cited that he and the ward office have not yet received any information about the permission granted for sand processing here, but locals have been raising objections.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal process that studies the potential impacts of any development project on the environment, human health, biodiversity, natural resources, and local communities before its operation, and prepares it with mitigation measures. In Nepal, preliminary environmental testing (IEE/PET) is mandatory for certain types of industries and development projects according to the Environment Protection Act, 2076, and the Environment Protection Regulations, 2077. Public notice, discussion, and collection of suggestions from local stakeholders are also considered important parts of this process. However, work is currently underway despite potential negative impacts on locals.

On the other hand, Pushpalal Chaudhary, head of the Environment Branch of Itahari Sub-Metropolis, claimed that although an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not conducted, a Preliminary Environmental Test (IEE/PET) was completed. 'Environmental Impact Assessment has not been done. But preliminary environmental testing has been done,' he said.

Locals have warned that if the decision to allow the industry to operate in the middle of the settlement is not reversed, they will be forced to take to the streets.