Residents of Triveni Rural Municipality in Rolpa’s Budhagaun area have resumed protests against illegal limestone mining, citing authorities’ indifference to their demands. The affected locals launched their third round of demonstrations earlier this month against years of unregulated mining activities.

Efforts to mediate discussions between the mining operators and the affected parties have repeatedly failed, as company representatives have not attended negotiations. The protests, ongoing for three months, have garnered support from local political leaders, an all-party mechanism, and the rural municipality.

Fearing potential clashes due to heightened tensions, the local administration has deployed police personnel in significant numbers. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bharat Lama said that the deployment aims to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Initially, two companies–Shiva Swaroop Mineral Industry and Rolpa Limestone Mining Pvt Ltd–began limestone extraction under the pretext of road construction in wards 3 and 4 of Triveni Rural Municipality. However, over the past five to six years, these activities have intensified without fulfilling their obligations to compensate locals or pay government royalties.

Frustrated by the companies’ inaction, locals have formed a struggle committee and launched what they call decisive protests. The committee’s coordinator, Omraj Gharti Magar, expressed hope that this round of demonstrations would lead to a resolution. Despite a previous agreement mediated by former finance minister Barshaman Pun a month ago, the companies failed to honour their commitments, prompting the renewed protests.

Triveni Rural Municipality Chairperson Karna Bahadur Batha Magar highlighted the environmental and social damage caused by the mining. He accused the Department of Mines and Geology of neglecting its responsibilities, noting that despite a study conducted in 2021, no concrete measures have been taken. The municipality now plans to engage independent geologists for further studies.

As police patrols continue in the area, local residents report that dozens of homes are at risk due to unchecked mining. Approximately 41 households in the affected region face dire conditions, with many unable to live safely in their homes. Locals insist that either mining must stop, or the settlements need to be relocated.

The rural municipality has been battling the mining companies in court for years. According to the Department of Mines and Geology’s 2021 report, the companies owe the government Rs700 million in royalties and an additional Rs50 million to the municipality.