September 8: With the increasing use cement produced by Nepali producers, the demand of Indian cement brands has fallen down to zero in two VDCs of Dodhara and Chandani across the Mahakali River.  The consumers of these VDCs are using Nepal produced cement for the construction of both private and public houses and physical infrastructures. Due to the sharply increased reach of Nepali cement in those villages, Indian cement brands have not been used since the last three years. 

According to the contractors engaged in construction works, the demand in the aforementioned VDCs has risen due to the quality of Nepali cement. According to contractor Puskar Madai, the high demand of Nepali cement has led to a slump in the import of Indian cement. 

Cement traders say that the consumers can choose a variety of Nepal produced cement as per their preferences as almost all Nepali cement brands are available in the local market. Another contractor, Kashi Ram Joshi said, “The reach of cement produced by the companies of Mid-western region has eased the difficulties faced by consumers for construction works. Consumers who previously were relying on Indian cement have now started to use Nepali cement brands due to the increasing quality.”

Though there are no cement industries in the Far-western region, consumers of that area are using cement produced in mid-west. Dambar Datta Bhatta, a cement trader of Mahendranagar said, “Despite the good quality of Nepali cement, the import of Indian products has not been discouraged to its fullest. The increasing construction of modern houses and other structures is driving the sales of cement in the region.” 

Suresh Rawal, President of Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “There is a huge potential to build two cement industries in this region. But the place is not being able to attract the investors.”  As per the traders, cement produced by Nepali companies worth Rs 1 billion is being traded in the area.