-Ramesh Giri

As the nation remains in a lockdown, 24 truck loaded with coal arrived at various brick kilns of Bhaktapur. They were transporting coal as well as workers from India to the brick kilns of Changu Narayan municipality.

The trucks arrived last night and this morning, Mayor of Changu Narayan Som Prasad Mishra confirmed.

Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur Hum Kala Pandey said the brick kiln proprietors claimed that the trucks carried the essential raw material for the brick kilns as per the decision of the government to resume industries. They reason that as brick kilns continue to operate in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, they were also entitled for the same, CDO Pandey said.

The brick kilns operators are reportedly flouting the standards set by the government and are allowing at least 150 workers to work together. Locals have been terrified to see so many trucks coming into their locality carrying coal as well as workers, says Mayor Mishra.

Chair of ward no. 8 of the municipality, Parasar Sapkota said the brick kiln operators have neglected the fact that the arrival of dozens of trucks and workers from India at this time could be very risky. However, the police administration has been limited to being a mere spectator over it.