SC hearing scheduled on controversial riverbank buffer zone case

Kathmandu, September 26 — The government has filed a review petition claiming that it cannot implement the decision to enforce an additional 20-meter buffer zone along riverbanks, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday.

The petition was submitted by Phanindra Gautam, secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, on behalf of the government. In the petition, three grounds are presented for requesting a review of the Supreme Court's decision, stating the reasons for not being able to implement it.

The petition is set to be heard before a panel of judges including Sapana Pradhan Malla, Til Prasad Shrestha, and Tek Prasad Dhungana. Since the original decision was made by a two-judge panel, the review will require a full bench (a panel of three judges).

The government argues that establishing a 20-meter buffer zone along the valley's riverbanks is financially unfeasible and would violate the housing rights of many people, thus warranting a review.

Today's hearing will determine whether this dispute will return to the Supreme Court. If the full bench grants a stay, the previous decision will also be put on hold. Conversely, if they rule against the stay, the decision will proceed to implementation.