Kathmandu District Administration to Evict Squatter Settlements Starting Baisakh 12

Kathmandu. The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has decided to demolish temporary shelters in three squatter settlements in Kathmandu starting from the morning of Baisakh 12.

On Thursday, Kathmandu's Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Poudel discussed the matter during a District Security Committee meeting. Following the meeting, he held further discussions with Kathmandu Metropolitan City's Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol and Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain.

Following consultations with the District Security Committee and the Acting Mayor, it was decided to clear squatter settlements in three locations in the first phase. An official from the Kathmandu District Security Committee told Ratopati that the settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, and along the banks of the Manohara River in Jadibuti are to be cleared.

According to the official, the decision has been made to deploy bulldozers at 6:00 AM on Saturday to remove the houses and shelters. The committee member stated, 'There is also a plan to clear the Bhaktapur side of the Manohara River, which will be finalized after discussions with the Bhaktapur administration.'

Security officials from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force have begun public announcements in the three locations to vacate the illegally constructed houses and shelters. The local administration has issued a notice to vacate the premises by 7:00 PM on Baisakh 11. The administration has urged residents to immediately relocate their belongings and livestock, prioritizing the evacuation of people with disabilities, children, pregnant women, new mothers, and the elderly.

In accordance with the local administration's decision, public announcements have warned: 'If any obstruction is created during the demolition of houses and shelters and the clearing of encroached land starting at 6:00 AM on Baisakh 12, strict action will be taken.'

District Administration Office officials state that discussions are also underway to identify genuine landless individuals and arrange for their housing within the next 10 to 15 days. SP Pawan Bhattarai of the Kathmandu District Police Range told Ratopati that the police are prepared to maintain security during the demolition. He said, 'Other management aspects will be handled by other agencies; we are always ready to provide security.'