Sand and Gravel Extraction in Melamchi Municipality of Sindhupalchowk District

Abstract

Contemporarily, riverbed material extraction is one of the serious environmental problems globally. The use of such river materials from the Indrawati River in Melamchi Municipality is also the key component supporting the urban infrastructure development supporting rapid urbanization in nearby Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and other areas. The indirect challenges to the socio-economy and impact on the air, water and biodiversity are key concerns in the area. The qualitative study helped understand the perception of sand mining in the study area leading to a broader need for attention to the governance and coordination between the stakeholders and government agencies for enhanced social and environmental management. Reclamation of abandoned sand pits; tree planting and agro-forestry practices to speed up the slow rate of natural succession by reduction of negative activities such as perennial bushfires, over-cultivation of lands, and over-grazing to reduce the nutrient depletion rate. Sand, gravel and boulder extraction activities reduce land socio-economic value by causing land degradation, loss of agricultural lands, low availability of water and low quality and loss of biodiversity as well as increased poverty among people in the area. Finally, compliance with statutory laws to regulate the conduct of sand mining on a sustainable basis for the sake of reducing its negative effects on the environment, economy and society is a critical aspect of the sand, gravel and boulder extraction in the municipality. Keywords: Sand, Gravel, Socio, Economy, Impact