Social and Environmental Safeguards in Road Projects: A Comparative Analysis of Existing Laws and Field Observation

Social and environmental safeguards are important aspect of the development management. So, this study analyzes the clear picture of social and environmental safeguards in road projects funded by the government of Nepal. This study reviewed the policies and frameworks related to safeguards and analyzed   qualitative data based on the principles and frameworks of safeguards. The results showed that there is serious lack of compliance of national laws and frameworks in government funded road projects and no any provision of social and environmental safeguards. Furthermore, the analysis shows that there has been no serious concern given for social and environmental safeguards during planning and implementation of government projects as well. The study concludes that there has been no proper policy, framework and national guidelines in the area of safeguards. Furthermore, it also requires clear policy and legal provision for implementing, supervising and monitoring and evaluating the government funded projects.