Viratanagar's Transformation: From Encroachment to Expansion

There was a time in the modern history of Biratnagar when the city's roads were narrow, drainage was blocked, and public roads were under the control of vested interests. During that transitional period when there were no elected representatives for a long time, the city was like an orphan, and I got the opportunity to lead the administrative staff. When I took charge as the Chief Administrative Officer, Biratnagar was not just a city of dust and mud; it was trapped in a web of encroachment that had been entrenched for years.

Having known Biratnagar closely and grown up in this soil, I knew the depth of the city's problems. The main reason for the city's deterioration was the ruthless encroachment on roads and public land. When we planned for road expansion, the biggest question before us was, 'Where to start?'

If we had started with the small and the less accessible, this campaign would not have lasted even a week. Therefore, we made a tough decision that the implementation of the law must start from the top. In the process of removing structures built in violation of road standards, we started with the compounds and walls of incumbent ministers, influential and prominent big business houses in the area.

When bulldozers ran over the houses of those considered powerful in the city, a clear message went to the general public that the administration this time would not favor anyone. This impartiality became our greatest strength, making it possible to achieve the goal of 300 kilometers of road expansion.

Along with road expansion, another major pain for Biratnagar is the problem of flooding. The main reason for Biratnagar flooding every year was not just the lack of drainage, but the natural path of water being blocked.

We faced a lot of opposition while advancing this campaign. Those whose personal interests were hurt by road expansion closed down markets, showed black flags targeting me, and loud slogans and processions against the administration took place at every street corner of the city. Many times, I received personal threats. Those voices of protest were from only a small group focused on protecting their personal structures rather than the city's interests, but one thing always energized me – the active support of the general citizens of Biratnagar, especially the younger generation.

The 'Gen Z' generation of that time, connected with technology and new ideas, understood the importance of road expansion. They supported our campaign both on social media and on the streets. It was because of the activeness of the youth that we did not have to back down from our goal despite any pressure. They understood that the temporary hardship of today would make the city safe and organized tomorrow.

Along with road expansion, another major pain for Biratnagar is the problem of flooding. The main reason for Biratnagar flooding every year was not just the lack of drainage, but the natural path of water being blocked. In the past, there was a large open area on the west side of the Koshi Highway, where water used to flow. Similarly, water used to drain naturally through natural streams and channels like Ghoga Paini and Balaha Khola. In recent decades, houses and structures were built by encroaching upon those streams and channels. When humans block the natural flow of water, it is natural for the water to flood settlements while finding its path.

Humans cannot challenge the laws of nature. Therefore, we worked with the belief that we must clear those encroached streams and channels. Public property and natural waterways should not remain in private possession under any pretext. Attempts to encroach upon public land and privatize it, whether in the name of the landless or any other name, are fatal to the future of the city. Transferring such lands to private ownership after surveying is completely illegal.

A city is not just a pile of physical structures; it is also a mirror of the civilization and discipline of its citizens.

Similarly, another important aspect of urban discipline was footpath management. Footpaths are made for the safe movement of pedestrians, not for doing business. We gave high priority to the campaign of clearing footpaths during our tenure. Setting up shops on footpaths and obstructing movement not only makes the city disorganized but also increases the risk of accidents. Only proper management of roads and footpaths can make a city modern and civilized. While doing all these things, we always paid attention to one thing – adherence to legal procedures and human sensitivity. However, where public interest is concerned, personal interests must be sacrificed.

Looking back today, the foundation we laid in Biratnagar seems to have set a new standard for the city's development. Biratnagar has given an example that even when there are no elected representatives, great changes are possible if the administrative staff wishes and has the support of the citizens. The fruits of the hardships and challenges we faced while widening the roads have now been received by the residents of Biratnagar in the form of wider roads. However, the development of a city is a continuous process. The places we cleared yesterday can be encroached upon again, the plans we made yesterday can be forgotten. Therefore, the current leadership and future generations must also give equal importance to maintaining urban discipline and protecting public property.

A city is not just a pile of physical structures; it is also a mirror of the civilization and discipline of its citizens. The sincerity and activeness of all parties are equally necessary to fulfill the dream of making Biratnagar a beautiful, organized, and flood-free metropolis. Tough decisions made for the public good ultimately benefit society and ensure the sustainable development of the city.

(Based on an interview with Regmi, the then Executive Officer of Biratnagar Metropolitan City.)