KATHMANDU, August 13: The Federation of Crusher and Mining Entrepreneurs of Nepal has called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to address the issues surrounding the renewal of their industries.

In a meeting at PM Oli’s official residence in Baluwatar on Monday, the Federation’s President Sitaram Neupane and other representatives highlighted the challenges faced due to the updated standards for industry renewal.

The Federation is seeking the renewal of approximately 700 registered crusher and sand mining industries based on previous criteria. They argue that the new standards set in 2077 BS have complicated the renewal process, which previously adhered to the Environment Standard, 2054, and the Standard Related to the Distance of Industries, 2071.

With an investment of around Rs 4 billion at risk due to the stalled renewals, the Federation has urged the government to consider renewing these industries according to the old standards while addressing tax and tariff issues. They also requested the introduction of a more practical new standard to facilitate smoother industry operations.