The operation of a limestone quarry has threatened around a dozen Chepang houses at Shaktikhor-3 in Chitwan.Moreover, the small settlement is threatened by landslip during monsoon.. Houses in the upper part of the area are marked as danger zone since excavations have been started from the lower level.
Mana Kumari Chepang’s house is just above the quarry. Living with her husband Ramesh, she fears for the worse during monsoon. She has asked concerned authorities to relocate her residence to a safer place. According to Mana Kumari, most landlords and households nearby the quarry have already sold their property in the past 10 years.
Parbati Chepang, living in a joint family also broods over what will happen. Excavation entrepreneurs have suggested her to shift from the area. The entrepreneurs have already bought Parbati’s house and land but the family is unaware about the price. The family is shifting the house next to the hill.
Starline Industries Private Limited, having approval of excavation from 2006 up to 2021, has excavated 1800 metric tones of limestone till date. Manager of Starline Industries Bikash Koirala said that all the necessary procedures have been completed while operating. He added that they have permission from the Department of Mines and Geology. Koirala said that they will fulfil the needs of the locals as well. “We are worried about villagers’ settlement and thinking of possible alternatives,” said Koirala. Koirala also claimed that there is no such immediate threat.
Above the quarry is historical Ooperdang Gadhi. Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist activists have been protesting against the operation. The activists believe that the quarry will eventually affect the historical Gadhi. However, Koirala said that the company has already agreed to provide compensation to the VDC in case of any unwanted destruction during excavation.
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