Government Clarifies Policy on Squatter Land Eviction and Resettlement

Kathmandu. The government has adopted a clear policy of vacating encroached public and government land only after identifying genuine squatters and ensuring their safe and dignified management. This is expected to reduce the confusion and fear among the squatter community. The government is conducting a special campaign targeting settlements at high risk of floods and inundation, as the monsoon season approaches, along the Bagmati River and its tributaries. Prioritizing the safety of life and property, settlements at risk in Thapathali, Shantinagar, Gairigaun, Gothatar Buddhachowk, and Manohara areas have already been safely vacated.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development, Sunil Lamsal, clarified that these steps were taken for human safety. He pledged that no settlement would be vacated until a clear framework for the identification and management of squatters is prepared. He also urged genuine squatter families to be assured.

Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Pratibha Rawal, stated that they are firm in the government's plan to vacate government land only after the identification and management of squatters, emphasizing that this task is very sensitive and local levels must play a responsible and humane role.

Further clarifying this matter, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued a circular to all District Administration Offices. The ministry has arranged for local levels to prepare plans for the identification and management of squatters and to inform the public in advance when removing encroachments. The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that the District Administration Office will provide security arrangements only if required based on the demand and plan of the local level.

The government is strictly implementing the protection of public land, digital record management, and control of encroachment under the 'One Hundred Agendas for Administrative Reform'.

It is stated that human rights will be fully respected in the management process, with special emphasis on ensuring safe housing, health services, nutrition, privacy, and infrastructure that is friendly to women and the disabled.

According to Dipa Dahal, Press and Research Expert to the Prime Minister, the government is committed to advancing the protection of public property and the dignified resettlement of squatters in a balanced and humane manner. She assured that genuine squatters have nothing to worry about and that the government is working systematically.