Kharibari, 05th February: Workers in Kharibari have staged a protest against the use of an earthmover to extract sand and stones at the Bhulka Ghat of the Mechi River, located along the Indo-Nepal border.
The workers raised concerns that the use of the earthmover would lead to unemployment for manual laborers. They also expressed fear of potential hazards, such as large pits forming in the riverbed, which could result in accidents. This prompted the workers to join the protest, halting the operation.
Upon receiving information, Sonam Bhutia, the Revenue Officer from the Kharibari Land Department, and police personnel arrived at the scene to address the issue.
As per the owner of the Bhulka Ghat, Ashit Saha, the earthmover was brought in with proper documentation for sand and stone extraction under the lease agreement. He clarified that workers are still being employed to load materials onto trucks and that the introduction of the earthmover is not intended to replace their work. He assured discussing the matter with the workers.
On the other hand, Revenue Officer Sonam Bhutia stated that the owner was operating within the bounds of the approved permits. However, the workers’ objections to the earthmover’s use would be reported to higher authorities.