Sarlahi, July 3

Extraction of riverbed materials is taking place rampantly in the district despite a ban. As a result, the entire environment and human settlements are at risk. Extraction of riverbed materials is taking place in many places of Lalbandi, Ishworpur and Bagmati municipalities in collusion with the district coordination committee and local levels, said the local people, adding that the extracted materials are being supplied to India instead of using them for what they are extracted for, local development and national pride projects. Extraction of sands and pebbles illegally and tractors and tipper trucks plying on a daily basis has damaged the East West Highway, said a local Ramesh Adhikari. Local people accused the concerned authorities of becoming a mute spectator despite this extraction taking place illegally.