Makawanpur: – Locals have bloced the Gingu Mine of Riddhi Sidhhi Cement Industry in Raksirang Gaupalika ward No. 4 of Makawanpur. They have protested by closing the mine demanding immediate resettlement saying that the houses of the locals have been affected due to the limestone quarrying.

 

They reached the mine on Sunday and stopped the excavation work with slogans. The local numbering about 60, protested by carrying placards saying, “Arrange for immediate resettlement, stop forcibly relocating people, and arrange for proper compensation.”

On Sunday evening, the locals had stopped the tripper in the excavation area. Locals have complained that the industry was started using force on Monday even though the road was blocked by dumping the raw materials brought from the mine by stopping the tripper.

Chief District Officer of Makawanpur Govinda Risal had instructed the industry to operate the mine by monitoring the demands of people. However, the locals have not agreed saying that their demands have not been met. After the dissatisfaction of the locals, the people’s representatives have not been able to the village and discuss with the locals.

 

The locals have demanded for proper resettlement, purchase of local lands at a reasonable price and resettlement of those earning less than Rs 1 Million. About a dozen families in Gingugu have been displaced after the mine was operated without proper management by the locals. Gopal Tamang, chairman of the local public affairs committee, said that a dozen other families had to leave the village.

He informed that 65 families living in the lower part of the industry would be displaced and 25 Hectares of land would be affected. The Department of Mines has stated that Riddhi Siddhi Cement has not yet obtained excavation permission for Gingu Danda. The study team of the Department of mines has submitted a report only to start the mine after settlement of families in a proper manner stating that the settlement in a sloping land of hill will be at high risk while operating mine.