More than 650 households from Chandragiri Municipality have filed a complaint with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), citing damage from the Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project. The 2.68 km tunnel, funded by a JICA loan and implemented by Nepal’s Department of Roads, aims to link Kathmandu to Dhading. Residents report that over two dozen natural water sources have dried up, irrigation systems have collapsed, and farmland has been affected. They also claim that more than 135 homes have developed cracks, while sinkholes have appeared in residential areas. Although an Environmental Impact Assessment and public hearings were held, families say they consented only after assurances of less harmful technology. Instead, drilling and blasting were used, which communities blame for the destruction. The complaint asks JICA to investigate compliance with its environmental and social guidelines, mediate with authorities, and provide remedies. These include restoring water sources, compensation for damaged property, irrigation alternatives, and jobs for affected residents.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited JICA, Hazama Ando Corporation, and Nippon Koei to respond. Their responses can be found below.