Weak oversight

Fresh media reports from the Tarai show that illegally smuggling of sand and aggregates from rivers at border areas across the border has increased. Local authority responsible for oversight and control of these activities are inactive and irresponsible, encouraging theft of valuable natural resources. But neither the government nor the parliament has taken the issue seriously. News published in a leading national daily on 27 May has shown that smuggling of sand has grown over last three years in Kapilvastu district. Sundar Chaudhari from Patkhahawa is quoted in that news as saying, "They used to take sand in the dark of night but these days they take it away in broad daylight. No one, however, speaks out." No one appears to stop such atrocities by sand smugglers.

The country's existence will come into trouble when natural resources get depleted. Demonstrations in demands for provinces would carry no meaning then. Leaders picketing Singha Durbar seem unaware about encroachment of border and smuggling of Nepal's resources across the border. Nepal-India border is said to be 'open' and it is agreed that this openness has made two country's ties unique. It is said that this openness has many advantages at social and cultural front but in reality Nepal sustains more disadvantages than benefits. National resources from herbs to sand and aggregates are being emptied. Former President of Nepal Ram Baran Yadav had shown interest in raising public awareness in Chure protection probably fearing that illegal mining and smuggling will turn the country into a desert. But more worrying is the fact that constant vigilance from government side was not seen. We cannot find any clear provision in bilateral treaties and agreements to keep border with India unmanaged in the name of 'openness'. The 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty between India, which had recently got independent from English colony, and Nepal, which was a free country from time immemorial, is taken as a foundation for Nepal-India ties. That treaty too does not provide for keeping the border open. Had there been a legal basis for uncontrolled movement across border there would be no need for permit/passport. India's Nepal-expert Ashok Mehta would not have remembered taking entry permit from Nepali Consulate at Calcutta to enter Nepal. Among the studies on border, investigation carried out by Professor Lokraj Baral's team could not find any strong historical evidence to keep the border open. Recently an 'Eminent Persons' Group' containing experts from both countries has been formed to look into treaties and agreements. It will carry out appropriate study into it.

But it would be hoping for too much that Nepal's natural resources will remain intact until expert's study comes to a conclusion. Therefore, a public campaign to protect Nepal's resources should be initiated without waiting for leaders and parties involved in games of throne. Otherwise, things will get beyond control.