Seven-Story Building Demolished in Kathmandu for Violating Standards

Kathmandu. A popular seven-story building located on the banks of the Dhobi River in Anamnagar, Kathmandu, was bulldozed by the government on Sunday. As part of the campaign to remove unauthorized structures along the riverbanks in coordination with the federal government and the metropolis, the said building's non-compliant portion was demolished. The metropolis claims this action was taken because, despite the building having a land ownership certificate and approved map, it was found to have additional structures built beyond the prescribed standards and approved map during construction. This incident raises the question, 'How was a building with an approved map and paid taxes bulldozed?' The reality of this is clarified by the differing claims of the metropolis, ward office, and the homeowner.

Seven-Story Building Constructed Overnight Violating Standards

Following the commencement of the demolition work, Ramkumar KC, the ward chairman of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 10, stated regarding the building, 'The map for this building was approved for only 5 stories, but the homeowner had constructed up to seven stories.' He added, 'This building has been a subject of dispute since my first term (2074/079 BS). We tried to stop the concreting in 2076 BS.' However, he mentioned that the homeowner started concreting at 9 PM and finished by 4 AM. 'Despite our efforts, we did not receive adequate support from the administration and city police at that time,' he said.

According to Ward Chairman KC, after the homeowner obtained the completion certificate for five stories, they illegally constructed additional structures in the front and upper floors. Indicating that the construction work was advanced with political protection and goondaism at that time, he said, 'At that time, Maoist people were brought in to stay, and the police administration did not cooperate. We were even threatened.'

How Was the Map Approved and Taxes Paid?

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Spokesperson Nabin Manandhar clarified the question of how the map was approved and taxes were paid on land falling within public land and river standards. According to him, the government had not acquired the land earlier, which is why it was natural for the land to be in an individual's name. Based on having the ownership certificate, the metropolis appears to have collected taxes and approved the map. However, Spokesperson Manandhar stated that map approval does not mean the structure is legal under all circumstances. 'Even if the metropolis issued the building completion certificate in 2076 BS, a condition is mentioned in the map approval itself. It is written that such structures will be demolished if the government brings any plan in the future or if the land needs to be acquired due to changes in standards,' he said. Manandhar stated that after the court established a 20-meter standard from the riverbank, the building fell within that perimeter and occupied the river's flow area, hence it is being removed legally.

Homeowner's Outrage - 'May All Squatters Also Have 7-Story Houses'

Meanwhile, homeowner Indra Chamling claimed that he completed the construction about 5 years ago, got the building's map approved, and has been regularly paying taxes and revenue. He said, 'I am surprised that a bulldozer ran over my house today, which was built after getting the map approved by the ward office and completing all procedures.' Chamling expressed his pain by strongly criticizing and satirizing the policies of the government and the metropolis. He said, 'I wish that all the squatters in Nepal also have such 7-story houses and they too can live in palaces.'

Rai accepted Kathmandu Prime Minister Balen as a 'patriotic leader' and praised his enthusiasm, but complained that he was not given an opportunity to meet and discuss. He added, 'We tried hard to meet him, but we were not successful. It would have been even better if a citizen's concerns were heard.'

Coordination Between Federal Government and Metropolis

Spokesperson Manandhar clarified that this action is not an individual's whim but a policy decision of the metropolis. The removal of unauthorized structures along the riverbanks is being carried out in accordance with the policies and programs passed by the city assembly, and the federal government is also actively supporting the metropolis in this regard. The metropolis has demolished the upper floors and non-map-compliant parts of the building, which previously housed various media offices, spas, and restaurants.

Regarding the management of squatters and disorganized settlements along the riverbanks, Spokesperson Manandhar said that although this is a temporary inconvenience, there is a possibility for them to receive land or flats in an organized place in the long run, and it is in everyone's interest to be organized rather than living in risky areas.

The metropolis is identifying other structures violating standards in Anamnagar and along the Dhobi River. The metropolis's attention is particularly on shacks and unauthorized structures built by encroaching on public land in the Baneshwor, Buddhanagar, and Shankhamul areas. The metropolis has stated that all such structures violating standards along the riverbanks will be systematically removed in the coming days.