Pokhara Squatters Fear Eviction After Kathmandu Bulldozers

Pokhara. After bulldozers started running over squatter settlements in Kathmandu, squatters in Pokhara have also become frightened. Their worry has increased after Pokhara Metropolitan City issued a 35-day notice to remove structures built by encroaching on government and public land. The ultimatum was given on April 4, according to the decision of the Metropolitan Executive meeting held on April 3.

However, about 475 squatter households in the Prithvi Chowk bus park area of Pokhara Metropolitan City-9 have taken a stand not to leave without alternative arrangements. They have demanded that bulldozers be run only after proper management. The 'Landless and Unorganized Settlers Struggle Committee, Kaski', formed to get their demands heard, warned on Sunday at a press conference in Pokhara that they would not move without proper resettlement. The committee also announced protest programs, including submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the District Administration Office on April 21 and holding a corner meeting with a rally at Prithvi Chowk on the same day. Their clear stance is that bulldozers will not be allowed to run under any circumstances until alternative arrangements are made.

Historically, 205 ropanis of land were acquired for the construction of the bus park at Prithvi Chowk, Pokhara-9, in 2032 BS. Since then, squatters have been living in that area. According to the Metropolitan's report, the land acquired according to the Pokhara Town Plan (2030) and the Pokhara Valley Master Plan (2031) has been reduced to only 50 to 81 ropanis due to encroachment, compensation disputes, and road expansion.

(Photo: Arjun Gaha / Nepal Photo Library)