Government Launches Drive to Clear Riverbank Settlements

The government on Saturday launched a campaign to demolish structures built along riverbanks, in vulnerable areas, and on public and government land in the Kathmandu Valley.

Settlements along the Bagmati River in Thapathali of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-11 were vacated. The drive was also carried out in the Gairigaun–Sinamangal area of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-9 and Shantinagar of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-31. The campaign aims to clear such settlements, finding a sustainable management of landless squatters.

According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, preparations are underway to vacate settlements built unlawfully at Gothatar Buddhachowk in Kageshwori Manohara Municipality-8 and Manohara Tole in Kageshwori Manohara-9 as well.

According to the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, there are 476 squatter households in Shantinagar, 162 in Gairigaun, 143 in Thapathali, 77 in Manohara, and 13 in Manohara Tole, totaling 871 households.

The settlements were demolished by joint teams comprising the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Municipal Police from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office. The teams also assisted residents in removing their belongings and transporting them to other locations.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat stated that 68 families residing along the Bagmati River banks in Thapathali have approached the government. They were taken to Dasharath Stadium, where their details were recorded.

Arrangements have been made for their shelter at various locations in Kathmandu. Their household belongings have been safely stored at the Sundarighat-based Radha Soami Satsang Beas.

It further stated that verification of the squatter families will begin from tomorrow. If they are confirmed to be genuine squatters, they will be relocated to an apartment in Nagarjun Municipality-1 within two weeks, and their long-term management will begin shortly thereafter. (RSS)