Bajhang, Aug. 23 -- Development in Bajhang district reached in the form of sprawling road networks, but it came at the cost of recurring landslides brought about by unsustainable methods adopted in construction works. After a series of landslides claimed 14 lives and displaced 150 families in 115 villages within the last four months, the provincial government banned the use of heavy machinery like bulldozers in road projects worth below Rs10 million. The District Administrative Office notified all local units to stop using dozers without conducting a feasibility study, design estimate and ensuring quality Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

One of the proponents of the government's ban was Suresh Sunar, chief district officer of Bajha...