Madhes may turn into deserts without proper conservation and management of Chure hills.

Summary:
The article discusses the critical environmental issue of uncontrolled exploitation of the Chure (Siwalik) hills in Nepal's Madhes region, leading to severe ecological damage and water scarcity. Key points include:

• Illegal extraction of riverbed materials like sand, gravel, and stones from the Kamala River and other areas is rampant, often using heavy machinery like excavators, causing environmental degradation.
• Many stone crusher industries operate without proper licenses, violating environmental and safety regulations, especially near forests, health institutions, and residential areas.
• Local governments and authorities have failed to enforce laws effectively; even court orders to relocate illegal crushers have been ignored.
• The destruction of the Chure hills disrupts the natural water recharge system, drying up rivers and groundwater essential for irrigation and drinking water in the Madhes plains.
• Past government efforts to protect the Chure have not been successful due to weak enforcement and continued illegal activities.
• Experts emphasize that protecting the Chure hills is vital to maintaining water resources in Madhes. Without it, the fertile plains risk turning into deserts with worsening water and food crises.
• Long-term solutions include strict regulation of extraction activities, relocating crushers away from sensitive zones, establishing water conservation systems in the Chure region, and better coordination among authorities.
• The article warns that unless serious measures are taken, the Madhes region’s agricultural productivity and overall sustainability will be severely threatened due to ongoing environmental neglect.

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