Thousands Displaced by Kathmandu Valley Slum Clearances Housed in Banepa Holding Center

Kathmandu. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless after the government bulldozed slum settlements in various parts of the Kathmandu Valley. Some people have managed to relocate themselves elsewhere after their settlements were demolished, while others have been housed by the government in various holding centers. In this regard, 110 people displaced from various settlements in the valley were brought to the Nepal Red Cross training center in Banepa on April 24. These homeless citizens staying in the holding center have numerous complaints and various demands from the government. Although no shortcomings were observed in food and accommodation at the center, they are demanding education for their children, employment, and permanent housing. Dil Bahadur Subba and Krishna Kumari Subbini, displaced from the Shantinagar settlement and now in the holding center, also demand that proper housing arrangements be made as soon as possible. They complain that the government suddenly bulldozed their homes without prior notice or sufficient time, and did not even allow them to take their belongings out of their homes. Lal Bahadur Limbu, who earns a living through daily wage labor, has also demanded that the government conduct a swift investigation and make proper arrangements for the truly poor and landless. He is hopeful that the government will assist in the treatment of his 10-year-old daughter, who is mentally and physically weak. Similarly, 66-year-old Toyanath Mishra, displaced from the Balaju settlement and now in Banepa, has a serious problem with urination. Mishra, who is forced to carry a urine bag with him, hopes that the government will make proper arrangements for him, even if it is delayed. The young children at the center have also demanded an environment where they can attend school on time. According to Shraddha Shrestha, departmental head of the Nepal Red Cross Human Resource Development Institute, 110 displaced individuals were brought there in three vehicles on the evening of April 24, following correspondence from the Ministry of Urban Development. She informed that the ministry had corresponded for the accommodation and food management of a total of 154 people. Those brought to Banepa include people of various age groups and different conditions, including a woman who gave birth nine days ago. Among the displaced are 26 children under 18 years of age, including 16 girls and 10 boys. The number of elderly citizens is approximately 16. Departmental head Shrestha clarified that the institute's actual bed capacity is only for 60 people. As this is primarily a training center, the limited arrangement for beds and lodging posed significant challenges in managing 110 people who arrived suddenly. Due to the increased pressure, priority was given to placing children, mothers, and the elderly, who were most at risk, in the rooms. Shrestha stated that efforts were made to keep families together as much as possible, and those who could not fit in the rooms were being managed in the hall. Photo: Suryams Upreti / Nepal Photo Library