Three Tippers Seized in Pokhara for Illegal Sand Extraction; Authorities Impose Fines

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Three Tippers Seized in Pokhara for Illegal Sand Extraction; Authorities Impose Fines

Three Tippers Seized in Pokhara for Illegal Sand Extraction; Authorities Impose Fines

Ecosphere News Correspondent 2026-07-16 13:10:00

Pokhara, July 16 - Police in Kaski have taken three tipper trucks and their drivers into custody after they were found allegedly extracting sand illegally from the Seti River in Pokhara Metropolitan City-25, highlighting the continuing challenge of unauthorized riverbed material extraction in the region.
According to the District Police Office, Kaski, a police team acting on a special tip-off conducted a late-night operation at around 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday and intercepted three tipper trucks while they were loading sand from the riverbank without authorization.
The seized vehicles and drivers were subsequently handed over to Pokhara Metropolitan City for legal action. The metropolitan office imposed a fine of NPR 15,000 on each tipper truck before releasing them, police said.
Those taken into custody include Sujan Gurung (26) of Gorkha, currently residing in Lamachaur, Pokhara-19, driver of tipper Ga 1 Ka 4472; Bikash Gharti (26) of Rukum, currently residing in Simpani, Pokhara-1, driver of tipper GAA 0076; and Raju Magar (25) of Okhaldhunga, currently residing in Yamdi, Pokhara-25, driver of tipper GAA 0124.
Illegal extraction of sand, gravel, and other riverbed materials remains a persistent environmental concern across Gandaki Province. Environmental experts warn that unregulated mining can accelerate riverbank erosion, degrade aquatic habitats, alter natural river flows, and increase the risks of flooding and infrastructure damage if not effectively monitored and regulated. Recent enforcement efforts by police and local governments have intensified as authorities seek to curb unauthorized excavation activities.
#EcosphereNews #Nepal #Pokhara #Kaski #IllegalSandMining #RiverConservation #EnvironmentalProtection #SetiRiver #NaturalResources #SustainableDevelopment

Published Date 2026-07-16 13:10:00