The Ongoing Crisis in Bethanchok: A Tale of Natural and Human-Induced Disasters
The monsoon season last year brought unprecedented devastation to the Kavrepalanchok district, particularly in the Bethanchok Rural Municipality. Out of 78 fatalities caused by floods and landslides across the district, 12 were reported from Bethanchok alone. The aftermath has left many survivors in a dire situation, forced to reside in structurally compromised homes. For those whose homes were completely destroyed by the swollen Roshi River and landslides, the prospect of rebuilding remains uncertain.
Compounding the natural disasters is the ongoing operation of quarrying mines, which are widely believed to have contributed significantly to the destruction. This dual threat—natural and human-induced—has placed the community in a precarious position, with the risk of further disasters looming large.
Bethanchok currently has three registered quarries and one crusher. However, mining operators often ignore standard excavation practices. Earlier this month, a dry landslide occurred at the Ganeshsthan Mineral Plant site due to improper excavation methods. Locals report that the operators excavated from the bottom rather than the top, violating established protocols. Although no lives were lost or property damaged in this incident, the proximity of the plant to critical infrastructure such as a school, health post, ward office, and residential areas poses a serious threat to the entire community. Additionally, dust and debris from the mine continue to flow into the river, heightening the risk of flooding this year.
A Nationwide Problem: Unregulated Mining and Its Consequences
Bethanchok is not an isolated case. Unregulated quarrying and unsafe excavation practices are widespread issues affecting numerous settlements throughout the country. Last year, the Kalakhola area of Baglung Municipality-13 faced similar challenges when unregulated mining along the Kaligandaki River put an under-construction industrial village and nearby communities at risk.
Nepal’s legal framework mandates that crusher plants and quarries be located at least 500 meters away from rivers, roads, and bridges, and two kilometers from schools, hospitals, religious sites, and densely populated areas. Despite these regulations, enforcement has been lax, emboldening the mining industry. Efforts by local residents and representatives to enforce compliance, including issuing written instructions and demanding adherence to national guidelines, have largely failed. In Bethanchok, for instance, mine operators frequently opt for cost-effective, labor-saving methods like excavating from the bottom, which are both unethical and dangerous.
Political Influence and Lack of Accountability
Many of these industries are owned by political leaders and local representatives, who often enjoy protection and avoid punishment. This lack of accountability underscores the need for stringent penalties for violators and comprehensive inspections across the mining sector. Without such measures, the cycle of disaster and neglect will continue.
Government intervention at all levels is urgently needed. The federal government has the authority—and responsibility—to shut down mining and quarrying operations in high-risk zones. It should also take action against entities operating without proper environmental or geographical assessments. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority can play a crucial role in coordinating with local officials to monitor how quarrying practices endanger communities and how river courses have changed due to debris and dust accumulation.
A Call for Immediate Action
Uncontrolled human activities have triggered numerous disasters and environmental damage in recent years. Without urgent action, this monsoon season could exacerbate the suffering of communities already traumatized by previous floods and landslides. Authorities and mine operators must prioritize the safety of people and the environment over profit. Ensuring that mining activities do not come at the cost of lives or ecological integrity is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative.
