Illegal mining goes on in Kaligandaki river under cover of darkness—right under authorities’ noses

Unable to stop extractions, local officials and district administration blame each other instead of taking responsibility.

Despite a nationwide ban on the extraction of riverbed materials during the monsoon season, illegal mining of sand, gravel and stones continues unabated in the Kaligandaki river. Heavy machinery is being used at night to extract river materials even during peak flooding season, in direct violation of environmental regulations.