Extraction of Limestone and Its Consequences on Environment with Special Focus on Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, Dhading, Nepal

Abstract

Limestone extraction in one hand helps in infrastructural development, while in other, in Benighat Rorang has resulted in severe and frequently uncontrolled environmental degradation as well as socio-economic issues, notably affecting the most vulnerable communities living nearby and very few researches has been performed regarding the impact brought by the limestone extraction in the study area. So, this study was conducted with an aim to assess different socio, economic and environmental impact brought by the current limestone acquiring process. For this, primary data were collected through field observation, in-depth interview, focused group discussions and questionnaire survey whereas secondary data were collected through published and unpublished sources such as thesis, research article, database, annual reports and scientific manuscript. The data collected from 155 respondents using purposive sampling were later analyzed in xcel, using RII for likert scale questions. The results showed that the major problem with the limestone processing is the air pollution in mining areas. The Challenging geological and topographical conditions followed by exploitation of natural resources have degraded the soil stabilization and increased the risk of landslide. The perpetual limestone mining has created Problem in waste disposal and management followed by noise pollution due to continuous blasting and drilling.  All these have put vulnerable population in risk. The social issues have arrived during land acquisition, further environmental degradation due to air, water, soil and noise pollution led migration and displacement of marginalized communities. Even the quality of limestone issues arises due to poor feasibility study and screening at the beginning. Apart from this, extraction has affected the biodiversity due to habitat destruction. To overcome these problems, solutions were put forwarded where application of modern extraction (controlled blasting) methods reduces the dust pollution around the environment. Similarly, monitoring and ensuring mining activities comply with environmental and social regulations set by local, national or international bodies helps in effective mining activities. Other important mitigation measures are provision of compensation for displaced communities or those affected by land degradation in mines. Practicing green cover, regular water spraying and use of dust collector around the mining areas also help to minimize noise pollution and avoiding night time operations minimize disruption of both wildlife and nearby communities.