Observation of Squatter Settlements in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur

Yesterday, on Baisakh 17, Hisila Yami, some friends, and I directly observed the squatter settlements in Thapathali, Shantinagar, Sinamangal areas of Kathmandu and the Manohara area of Bhaktapur. Afterwards, we met with squatters housed at the Radhaswami Holding Center in Kirtipur and hotels/lodges near the new buspark. Finally, we also understood the condition of the squatter resettlement apartment in Ichangu Narayan, Nagarjun, which was constructed during my tenure as Prime Minister.

Upon visiting the settlements and speaking with the squatters, we saw a faint hope that the government might do something, but we also found more serious suspicion and fear. As a student of urban development planning and an expert in housing, we felt that urban poor and laborers, who make significant contributions to the city's economy and society, are currently terrified. It is regrettable to see their trust in the newly formed government, which they supported as a new force, gradually diminishing.

Squatters should not be treated like piles of garbage and bulldozed; settlements should only be cleared after proper resettlement.

The squatters are afraid of the process of registering at the holding center. Their fear is, 'Will the government confiscate the little property we have in the village if we register?' Assuring them, we said, 'Having one or two ropanis of land in the hills or one or two kattha in the Madhesh does not sustain livelihood. Therefore, register with the government's process without fear.' It is essential for the government to explain this and remove their fear.

Without providing sufficient information, the sudden use of bulldozers prevented squatters from safely removing their belongings. The sight of people searching for their utensils within the demolished ruins was extremely heartbreaking. Not only humans, but even their pet animals like dogs and cats were seen sitting with sad faces in their old shelters, which deeply moved us.

Upon reaching the holding center where displaced squatters were housed, we found that there was no proper arrangement for food and drink for lactating mothers and small children. There is a need for special attention to single women and families with small children. Many children have dropped out of school, causing anxiety among parents. Daily wage earners have lost their employment. The government must immediately address these humanitarian issues.

In addition, I was very saddened to see the extreme misuse of the apartment built in Ichangu Narayan for the resettlement of squatters.

A 'white flag' should be placed at the homes of genuine squatters and a 'black flag' at the homes of encroachers, and settlements should be cleared after giving 15 to 30 days' notice.

My Suggestions to the Government:

Based on these firsthand experiences, I would like to offer the following suggestions to the government and concerned political parties:

• The Squatter Problem is a Biological Process:

The squatter problem is a natural issue arising with urbanization. As the agricultural economy collapses and people move to cities in search of employment, they initially lack housing facilities. It is impossible to buy a house in the city with the meager wages earned from informal labor. This problem was also faced by developed cities like Paris. As long as the gap between the rich and the poor and the contradiction between capital and labor exist in society, this problem will persist. Its solution is impossible unless the state adopts pro-poor policies.

The apartment built for squatters in Ichangu Narayan has been misused by giving it to NGOs/INGOs based on access to power; squatters should be moved there immediately.

• Resettle Before Bulldozing:

Squatters should not be viewed as piles of garbage or undesirable citizens. The problem will not be solved by bulldozing. The constitution itself recognizes the right to housing as a fundamental right. Therefore, before clearing riverbanks or encroached land for beautification, their proper resettlement must take place. City beautification is a secondary priority; the primary priority must be human resettlement.

• Identify Genuine Squatters and Encroachers:

Before removing settlements, a proper identification of squatters and encroachers (land grabbers) must be done. For example, a 'white flag' can be placed at the homes of genuine squatters and a 'black flag' at the homes of encroachers. Those with black flags should be made to vacate the settlement immediately, and genuine squatters with white flags should be arranged to be moved to holding centers with 15 to 30 days' notice. The process of clearing the settlement should only begin after proper management.

Urbanization and housing problems can only be solved by constructing mass housing, land pooling, and empowering the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority.

• Long-Term Housing Arrangements:

For a long-term solution to the squatter problem, the government must work systematically. After clearing land along riverbanks, mass housing (apartments) can be built on the remaining safe land and provided to the poor on an installment basis. This practice has been successful in cities like Mumbai. Another option is to develop land through 'land pooling' and allow them to build their own houses with facilities for roads, water, and electricity.

• Empower the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority:

To manage urbanization in the Kathmandu Valley, I established the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority when I was Prime Minister. By further empowering it and collaborating with local municipalities, planned urbanization and housing construction should be advanced. Instead of building disorganized houses on a few annas of land, open spaces and parks should be secured by building mass housing through land pooling.

It is not enough to provide squatters with shelter; their children's education, health, employment, and open spaces must also be arranged.

• Utilize the Ichangu Apartment Properly:

The apartment built in Ichangu Narayan should be used for the immediate management of squatters. However, recent governments have misused it by giving it to their cronies and NGOs/INGOs. That apartment should be vacated immediately and squatters should be moved there.

• Develop 'Homes', Not Just 'Houses':

It is not enough to provide people with four walls; the house must be made livable. For this, children's education, open parks for the elderly, health facilities, and nearby employment opportunities must be ensured.

The public has high expectations from the current new and young leadership government. This is also a good opportunity for this government to prove itself. Learning from past mistakes and successful global practices, let us all work together to solve this problem. Squatters and laborers are also citizens of this country; the constitution has given them the right to equality and justice.

Finally, on the occasion of International Workers' Day, Buddha Jayanti, and Ubhauli festival today, I would like to extend my warm greetings to all.