Kathmandu : Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal has suggested that the Supreme Court’s verdict mandating an additional 20-meter buffer zone on either side of rivers for infrastructure development be reconsidered.

Expressing his views in a meeting with the office-bearers of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) on Sunday, Chief Secretary Aryal said so.

He further said that the government will not let a merchant go scot free who creates an artificial shortage of goods promoting black market activities around the time of Dashain festival.

The apex court’s verdict mandating an additional 20-meter buffer zone on either side of the rivers for infrastructure development be reconsidered.

“The apex court’s ruling mandating an additional 20-meter buffer zone on either side of the rivers for infrastructure development be reconstructed. It has posed hurdles in the implementation of the decision. The government is making preparations to present its views in the court accordingly.”

He took time to say that the government will encourage private sectors removing legal hurdles, if any, but never reform policies in order to benefit an individual, group or an institute.

Aryal warned of strict action against anyone engaged in black market activities, emphasizing that there should be no shortage of essential goods like sugar and medicine in the market during the festivals.