Nation»
Crusher operators slam govt decision
KATHMANDU, JAN 29 -
The Federation of Nepal Crusher Industries on Friday called on all the crusher entrepreneurs not to pay back their loans to financial institutions unless the government withdraws its decision to ban the export of sand, boulders and grits to India.
On Jan. 4, the Natural Resources and Means Committee (NRMC) under the Legislature-Parliament had directed the government to immediately stop export of sand and stones to India to prevent environmental degradation in the Chure region of the country.
Similarly, the Supreme Court had directed the government to stop any kind of excavation and export of sand, boulders and grits until further notice.
The NRMC stated that the traders were involved in mining valuable resources illegally and exporting them in large scale to India, which contributed to environmental degradation in the Chure range and Tarai plains.
According to Krishna Prasad Sharma, coordinator of the crusher entrepreneurs’ ad hoc committee, the government did not discuss the matter with the stakeholders before imposing the ban.
Around four billion has been invested in this sector with over 75 percent loan from different banks and financial institutions. The government’s abrupt decision could affect 100,000 workers directly and imperil 500,000 households, said Sharma.
The annual production of this sector is worth Rs. 60 billion and materials worth Rs. 50 billion are exported to India. The industries have been paying Rs. 2.5 billion to the government in taxes.
Entrepreneurs have urged the government to carry out scientific research, including detailed study on the quantity of supply and limit of excavation of the natural resources, before imposing a blanket ban.
“We have been following the government’s environmental guidelines and directives. After a decade of operation, the government wants us to stop the work,” said another entrepreneur.
According to a study, around 60,000 tonnes of sand, stones and boulders are exported to India daily.
There are 200 crusher industries across the country, which export sand and grits. Similarly, 5,000 tippers and 750 heavy loaders are being used for the purpose.
The crusher entrepreneurs have also called for strong measures to curb illegal excavation. “The government should provide adequate compensation and alternatives to entrepreneurs if it imposes a blanket ban,” said Sharma.
The NRMC has formed a 13-member subcommittee to study excavation works in the Chure region and Tarai plains and submit a report within a month.
Headlines
Advertisements
