Construction often tries to strike a balance between development and environmental protection. This work requires a significant investment of time as well as money. Any obstruction to the project’s initiation only increases the number of problems that are typical of a construction project. Gaurishankar Conservation Area, in the country’s eastern Himalayan area, has issued a directive requesting that the Rolwaling Khola Hydroelectric Project (and the Lapche Khola Hydropower Project) stop any construction immediately.
Hydropower projects have been accused in violation of environmental standards and norms. It is not unusual for power projects to try to get what they want by breaking agreed norms, such as Lapche Khola hydropower, which was accused of cutting trees and building a road without obtaining permits. While the issue at hand is the provision of power that is vital for the nation’s future development, why can’t the project officials work in concert with the conservation areas? Rural municipalities are being blamed for building the road, but the damage is already done.
Hills and mountainous areas in Nepal are susceptible to landslides, especially during monsoon season. Projects such as these often require the removal of large amounts of earth to level the area. This can lead to widespread destruction of wildlife and vegetation. One might think that the environmental assessment (EIA), would include all the complicated issues related to the project. It seems that Lapche Khola Hydropower didn’t bother to submit documents regarding the EIA.
These reckless acts only hinder the smooth operation of projects. Constant delays only lead to cost overruns for existing projects. The agreed standards are often beneficial to the projects. There will be consequences if profits are prioritized over the environment. Companies and projects must avoid being irresponsible with the environment, especially when environmental issues are the focus of the media and the center stage on international platforms. Nature is more concerned about non-compliance than the authorities, and can cause havoc during monsoons.
The environment standards are not respected in Nepal. There have been many reports of non-adherence to environmental standards in Nepal, whether it’s about mining riverbeds for their sand and pebbles or the total decimation of hills for the extraction of minerals. This is partly because the trader knows that authorities can be manipulated as they please. As long as this continues, there will be issues that are not only raised but also forgotten.