KATHMANDU, June 16: The Department of Industry (DoI) has issued a stern warning to manufacturing firms to strictly comply with environmental laws or face legal action, as part of efforts to curb river-based pollution.
Issuing a public notice, the DoI said it has received numerous complaints about industries discharging untreated wastewater directly into rivers and failing to adopt measures to reduce air and noise pollution.
“Industries are required to operate in strict compliance with environmental laws. Violations will not be tolerated,” the notice stated.
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The department emphasized that industries must install and operate pollution-control equipment, including effluent treatment plants (ETPs), and adopt measures outlined in their approved Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports. Regular monitoring and evaluation of these systems are mandatory under the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
The DoI reiterated that industries must adhere to government standards on noise, air emissions, and effluents. Provincial authorities have also been directed to regulate industries registered under their jurisdiction in line with federal and provincial laws.
Giving a 30-day deadline, the DoI instructed industries to submit details of the anti-pollution measures currently in place. “If violations of industrial and environmental standards are found, stern action will be taken as per the prevailing law,” the department warned.
