Prime Minister Balen Shah Pledges Permanent Solution for Squatter Settlements

Kathmandu. Prime Minister Balen Shah has expressed his commitment to identifying genuine landless squatters across the country and distributing land to them as soon as possible.

Writing a status on his official Facebook page on Friday, Prime Minister Shah clarified that the government is preparing for a permanent solution to the long-standing squatter problem. 

The Prime Minister stated that the relocation of those living on riverbanks is necessary for their safety and to improve the valley's sewage drainage system. He said, 'Due to annual floods, people living on the riverbanks of Kathmandu are forced to abandon their belongings to save their lives. Managing them in a safe, risk-free location is a citizen's right.'

The Prime Minister informed that the settlements in areas like Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara are being relocated safely, keeping humanity in mind and without the use of force. He said, 'Because these settlements obstruct sewage drainage, Kathmandu has become dirty and the rivers have become foul-smelling. Therefore, this relocation is essential for the beauty and management of the valley.'

Balen speaks on the issue of removing squatter settlements

Prime Minister Shah reminded that solving the squatter problem was included in his election promises and the government's 100-day action plan. He said, 'We have not forgotten the promises made while being a candidate in Jhapa, the commitment of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and the points regarding squatter management and stopping the encroachment of government land under the government's "100 things that must be done".'

Prime Minister Shah has assured that the government will distinguish between encroachers and genuine squatters. 'The problems of Kathmandu's riverbanks and other parts of the country are different. We will definitely distinguish between encroachers and squatters and distribute land to the real victims after following the due process,' he said.