Crusher industries in Bardiya found flouting rules

In Bardiya, several crusher industries are operating illegally, failing to follow government rules and standards. Out of the seven crusher industries in the district, four have been found violating regulations.

According to the Office of Cottage and Small Industry, Nuri Stone Industries in Madhuban Municipality-9, Laxmi Sand Processing Industry in Barbardiya Municipality-2, and Bardiya Sand Processing Industry in Thakurbaba are among those breaking the law. Nuri Stone Industries has not renewed its licence since July 2020.

Some businesses are running full-scale crusher operations under the name of sand processing centres, producing and selling river-based materials. Nirdesh Crusher Industry Pvt. Ltd., registered with the Department of Commerce, has reportedly ignored local government and Division Forest Office requirements.

The government set operational standards for crusher industries in 2020 and updated them in 2023, but many operators have not complied or renewed their licences. Rules require crushers to be at least one kilometre from forests and 500 metres from schools, yet Nuri Crusher operates inside a settlement.

Officials from the Division Forest Office say Nirdesh Crusher has not submitted any documents to them. A monitoring team, led by the District Coordination Committee (DCC) and including various government offices, is responsible for overseeing riverbed material extraction and distribution. However, Madhuban Municipality’s mayor said no inspections have been carried out in the past three years.

DCC Bardiya Chair Surya Bahadur Bista claimed crusher operations are protected by political influence, with party leaders warning operators before inspections. “Monitoring has no meaning under such political protection,” he said.

Nuri Stone Industries owner Nasim Halwai said the problem has been ongoing across the country since 2020.