Government Pledges No Forced Evictions in Squatter Settlements

Kathmandu. The government has stated that it will not use bulldozers forcibly in squatter settlements. Minister Sasmita Pokharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, made this statement while responding to questions from journalists during a briefing on the decisions made by the Council of Ministers on Friday. She explained that they are relocating residents because flooding in various squatter settlements has forced them to abandon their belongings and flee.

'There is no plan to use police force or bulldozers in squatter settlements,' Minister Pokharel said. 'The government has initiated a process to relocate them to safe locations through requests.'

She claimed that while there has been significant politics surrounding squatters in the past, the current government will not engage in such politics. 'We are not in favor of playing politics. Apart from the current relocation efforts, there will be a long-term solution for squatters across the country.'

She added that the government is preparing to identify genuine squatters and ensure their proper management. She stated that those being relocated will be placed in safe areas.