Citation: Nepal, B.

(2011): Analysis of Socio-Environmental Impacts of Extraction of River Bed Materials from the Kankai Mai River of Jhapa, Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis, College of Applied Sciences-Nepal, IOST/ TU, Kirtipur, Nepal.

Abstract In a country like Nepal where there are spatial and temporal differences of sediment availability and the demand for various uses, resource management and managing the conflicts in the allocation of resources among different sectors and different regions are of great challenges. The need to avoid adverse impacts and to enhance long term benefits of the commercial extraction of RBM from the river bed, led to this study. Satashidham-8 (S1), Surunga-8 (S2) and Surunga-4 (S3) were the study sites in the respective VDCs. Falling under category 'C' (Koeppens classification of climate 1918) the area had tropical to subtropical climate. Prediction for maximum rainfall at 20 and 50 years recurrence interval on the area by Hazens method was 3790 mm and 4250 mm. Likewise maximum peak flow obtained by Gumbels method for 25 years designed flood and peak flows of 50 years designed flood were 8017.82 m3/s and 9133.82 m3/s respectively and both the values exceed the danger level discharge of 3250m3/s. Three sites accounted 180950 m3 of annual deposition of the sediments, however only 90475m3/year (50% of 180950 m3) or 296m3/day is recommended for the extraction. This quantity falls under the threshold (300 m3 /day) of IEE mandated by the EPA 1996 and EPR 1997 (amendment 2007). The annual revenue that the DDC, Jhapa can generate from this quantity was calculated as NRs 63, 83,916. The overall negative impacts of the extraction of RBM were low to moderate and almost no visible impact on vegetation and wildlife within the ZoI. However, impacts on river flow regime, river morphology, bank erosion/cutting, and site specific air pollution were conspicuous, but most of these impacts could be mitigated. Similarly, those who extract and transport more than the permitted quantity should be brought under legal processes. The extraction activity was not found to displace any household and there was no need of land acquisition. This study has comprehensively addressed the impacts associated with the extraction of RBM. It concluded that the implementation of the extraction activities can be recommended when the proposed mitigation measures are properly undertaken and monitoring measures are considered. Key Words: River Bed Materials, Initial Environmental Examination, District Development Committee, Environmental Protection Act Biraj Nepal (causticnepal@hotmail.com)