Mustang, 16 May: Apple farming has begun on public land in Mustang. While the expansion of apple cultivation is timely from the perspective of promoting agriculture, improving local livelihoods, and considering environmental factors, the practice of cultivating apples on public land and along riverbanks without coordination with government authorities has been increasing.
Communities in all five local levels of the district have increasingly begun cultivating apples collectively on public land. Although the farming is done at the community level, challenges have arisen concerning government revenue, official land records, and disaster risk reduction.
At a public hearing organized by Gharapjhong Rural Municipality on Thursday, locals criticized the encroachment of public land. Although the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 (2017) delegates authority to local governments for the protection and development of public land, locals expressed dissatisfaction that the local government and representatives have failed to safeguard such land.
Stakeholders at the hearing reported that in Rajkhola of Gharapjhong–2, Syang Khola of Gharapjhong–3, and Dhumba Khola of Gharapjhong–5, communities have encroached on land by narrowing the natural course of rivers. They stated that this has led to the construction of apple orchards and structures, increasing the risk of disasters.
Due to climate change, rising temperatures in the Himalayan region have increased the likelihood of glacier melting, glacial lake outbursts, and flash floods. Encroachment along rivers and streams has thus created both human and physical risks. On the 28th of Shrawan 2080 (August 2023), a flood in Kagbeni caused significant damage in the area.
Locals complained that the diversion of the Kag Khola, flowing from Muktinath through Kagbeni, had contributed to facing natural disasters. In Gharapjhong, apple farming land has been expanded by narrowing the courses of the Marpha and Dhumba rivers.
Other municipalities in the district have also seen an increase in river encroachment. Despite the high potential for apple farming in the district, the lack of land surveys of public lands has created legal complications in leasing them out. As a result, there is a growing trend of encroaching on public land for apple cultivation.
Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal clarified that the responsibility for preventing the encroachment and protecting public land lies with the local government. He confirmed that complaints of public land encroachment have been received and that investigations and inquiries are underway.
Chairperson of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality, Mohan Singh Lalchan, acknowledged that complaints had been made regarding encroachment on public and river areas. He stated that since the issue concerns public land, weaknesses must be identified and those encroaching must be brought within the scope of the law.
