Kathmandu Metropolitan City Continues Eviction of Unauthorized Settlements Along Riverbanks

Kathmandu. The government continues its efforts to clear settlements built on riverbanks, hazardous public lands, and government-owned properties within the Kathmandu Valley. In this process, the settlement at Thapathali in Ward No. 11 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City has been cleared, while operations are ongoing in Gairigaun (Ward No. 9) and Shantinagar (Ward No. 31).

Similarly, preparations are underway to clear unauthorized settlements in Gothatar Buddhachowk (Ward No. 8) and Manohara Tole (Ward No. 9) of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality.

According to data from the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, there are a total of 871 unauthorized households: 476 in Shantinagar, 162 in Gairigaun, 143 in Thapathali, 77 in Gothatar, and 13 in Manohara Tole. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City stated that Nepal Police and municipal security personnel provided direct assistance in moving and transporting belongings. The metropolis claims that the evacuation in Thapathali was conducted peacefully and cordially, as residents cooperated with the government's initiative.

So far, 68 families residing in Thapathali have come into contact with the government, and the process of contacting others from different locations is ongoing. Families who have come forward are being taken to Dasharath Rangasala, where their details are being collected, and preparations are being made to house them in various hotels in Kathmandu.

For now, household goods have been safely stored in separate areas at Radha Swami Satsang Beas Nepal in Sundarighat, Kirtipur. The metropolis stated that the process of identifying whether the families currently housed in hotels are genuine landless squatters will begin tomorrow.

The metropolis also stated that families identified as genuine landless squatters will be relocated to government apartments in Ward No. 1 of Nagarjun Municipality within two weeks. Following that, work on their long-term management will be carried out.