Locals demand immediate relocation of fuel depot in Dhangadhi
Dhangadhi: Locals have urged the Nepal Oil Corporation to immediately proceed with the relocation of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Depot situated in the densely populated area of Dhangadhi. A memorandum demanding urgent action was submitted to Provincial Chief Haridatta Joshi by residents led by Dirgharaj Ojha, Chairman of Shubhapa Tole Bikash Sanstha.
Although efforts to shift the depot to Chatakpur, Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-3, have been ongoing for two years, no progress has been seen so far, prompting locals to stage protests. The memorandum calls for the relocation process to begin within 15 days, warning of phased protests if their demands are ignored.
“As the settlements surrounding the corporation’s depot are at serious risk, we request immediate relocation to ensure a safe environment for the residents,” the memorandum states. “If our demands are not addressed within the given time, we will initiate protest programs.”
Ojha said that the Kailali District Administration Office, District Police Office, and Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City have been informed about the memorandum. More than 500 people reside in 87 households in Shubhapa Tole.
“It has been two years since the relocation process was said to have begun, but no results have been seen,” Ojha said. “We are moving ahead with protest programs to ensure the depot is shifted so locals can live and work peacefully.”
Residents complained that large fuel storage tanks pose a constant risk and that they fear even lighting fires in their homes during fuel loading and unloading. What was once a forest area has now turned into a densely populated neighborhood, with thousands of vehicles passing daily along the Dhangadhi-Attariya road near the depot. Several hospitals, schools, and businesses—including Dhangadhi Netralaya and CP Hospital—are located nearby.
“You never know what might happen. The depot has made people anxious all the time,” said Ojha. “Locals live in constant fear, even hesitant to light fires in their homes.”
Corporation searching for land for relocation
Following pressure from locals and stakeholders, the Nepal Oil Corporation has confirmed plans to relocate the Dhangadhi depot. Executive Director Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta said the corporation is actively searching for suitable land in four to five different areas.
“Suitable land has not yet been finalized, but we are conducting searches to relocate the depot in a transparent and economical manner,” he said.
Provincial Chief Joshi mentioned that the current depot occupies limited space, creating operational challenges and preventing the expansion of storage and tanker facilities.
The government has set a goal to establish petroleum storage facilities in each province capable of meeting demand for at least 90 days. However, the current depot’s capacity is insufficient to meet even a week’s demand in the Far West Province.
Spread over one bigha and eight katthas, the Dhangadhi depot has two vertical tanks of 760 kiloliters each and one 70-kiloliter underground tank for diesel, as well as similar facilities for petrol. Established in 2037 BS, the depot supplies petroleum products to Kailali, Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Darchula, Bajhang, Doti, Achham, and Bajura districts, distributing approximately 100 kiloliters of petrol, 300 kiloliters of diesel, and small quantities of kerosene daily.