Pokhara Squatters Resist Eviction Amidst Supreme Court Order

Pokhara. A few days ago, bulldozers started demolishing squatter settlements in Kathmandu, causing fear among squatters living in most parts of the country.

Although Pokhara Metropolitan City has issued a notice to vacate structures built on government and public land, the Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to forcibly remove squatters. However, protests are ongoing in various parts of the country.

According to the latest data from the National Land Commission Kaski, a total of 19,634 households in Pokhara Metropolitan City are living as landless Dalits, squatters, and unorganized residents. In the Prithvi Chowk bus park area of Pokhara Metropolitan City-9 alone, about 475 households have been living.

Squatters living in various places within Pokhara have taken a stance not to vacate their places under any circumstances until an alternative arrangement is made.

According to history, 205 ropanis of land were acquired for the construction of Prithvi Chowk bus park in 2032 BS. After that, squatters started settling in that area.

According to the Pokhara City Plan (2030 BS) and the Pokhara Valley Master Plan (2031 BS), the acquired land, due to encroachment, compensation distribution, and road expansion, has now shrunk to about 50 to 81 ropanis, according to a metropolitan report. Photo: Nepal Photo Library