Kathmandu Valley Authority Demolishes Illegal Structures on Encroached Public Land in Tokha

Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority has cleared public land that had been encroached upon for a long time in Tokha Municipality. The Authority used bulldozers on illegal structures built by encroaching on government and public land in the Dahal Gauda Chowk and Basundhara areas of Ward No. 7 of Tokha Municipality.

According to the office of the Authority's District Commissioner, approximately 10 ropanis of land in that area had been encroached upon, and sheds had been constructed. After the Authority repeatedly issued notices to remove these structures, which were ignored, the structures were demolished using bulldozers with the support of security personnel starting early Sunday morning.

Speaking with Ratopati, an official from the Authority stated that this encroachment has been ongoing for a long time and efforts to remove it have been underway for an extended period. According to the official, the Authority had last issued a seven-day public notice on 2082 Jestha 15, urging the clearing of the land. However, as local levels and concerned individuals disregarded the notice, force was used in coordination with the District Administration Office, Kathmandu.

According to a complaint filed with the Authority, the public land was being used for illegal rental income by constructing houses and sheds and collecting rent. The Authority took strict action after finding that public land was being used for private gain.

It is understood that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) also took an interest in this matter and corresponded with the District Administration Office. There were discussions in some media outlets and complaints suggesting the involvement of public representatives from Ward No. 7.