Manohara River Relocation Project Progresses, New Structures Planned

What kind of structure will be built in the slum area where the bulldozer has run? This may be a matter of general curiosity. After removing the unorganized settlement on the banks of the Manohara River, the work of returning the river to its old course is currently underway. The Manohara Land Pooling Project is carrying out this work vigorously. The project chief, Nirmalraj Baral, is leading this. He is moving forward with the work at a rapid pace by coordinating daily with local levels, the federal government, and the chief district officers of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. This is a conversation Narendra Raula of Rato Pati had with project chief Baral:

• The work of relocating the Manohara River to its original place is underway. How is the work and management progressing?

According to the approved DPR of the Manohara Land Pooling Project, our plan is to let the Manohara River flow as it did according to the survey map of 2021 BS. We have already established the 575-meter flow of the river in its original location as per the 2021 BS survey map. The total length of this river is 1.5 kilometers. Although 575 meters have been shifted, the river could not be shifted as per the DPR due to unorganized settlements in the remaining approximately 1 kilometer area. Recently, as per the decision of the federal government, that unorganized settlement has been removed. With the removal of the settlement, we have started site work in the first phase. For now, about 300 meters of the river is being diverted; which will have a river width of 30 meters, a 9-meter green belt, and an 11-meter road. We have prepared the detailed survey and estimate to divert the remaining section as per the original plan. The implementation process will now move forward.

• When will this work be completed?

We will continue to advance this work. We have received full support, cooperation, and encouragement from the federal government, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and Madhyapur Thimi Municipality. We have already completed the survey and obtained the detailed estimate, and we will proceed with it according to the rules. Also, the debris from the bulldozed structures has not yet been managed. I have been discussing this matter with the chief district officers of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, as well as the chairman of the land management committee of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Within this week, we will pile up the debris in one place. After managing it according to the options given by the local bodies, the work of diverting the river in the remaining area will begin.

• Are there any obstacles in the process of relocating and constructing the Manohara River?

No. There are no obstacles at present. We have the support, cooperation, and encouragement of the local residents. We have also received full support from the local and federal governments. We are not facing any difficulties in our work right now.

• Under the Manohara Land Pooling Project, are new structures only being built in Manohara? Are structures being built in Shankhamul, Bansighat, Teku, and Balkhu areas under this project?

No. This Manohara Land Pooling Project is only for the Manohara area. Areas like Bansighat, Sinamangal, Thapathali, and Balkhu do not fall within the scope of our project.

• How many households and what was the population in the Manohara area?

There were approximately 1,200 households there. Due to the river changing its course, there was about 100 ropanis of land whose survey records were in Kathmandu but fell into Bhaktapur. If we divert the river's flow according to the old survey map, that 100 ropanis of land will return to the Kathmandu side. We have also started the land pooling management for that. Similarly, about 14 ropanis of land that fell into Kathmandu yesterday has now fallen into Bhaktapur due to the river's course change. We are also managing the land for that.

• After the river is returned to its original state, what kind of structures will be built here? Will roads or parks be built?

After the river's flow is established as per the 2021 BS survey map, the width of the river will be 30 meters. There will be a 9-meter green belt on both sides of the river, where we will promote greenery. Outside of that, there will be an 11-meter road on both sides.

• Will the same type of structure be built on both sides of the river?

Yes, we will maintain the same structure on both sides.

• Work is progressing rapidly in Manohara. When will the new form be completed?

We are currently nearing the end of the current fiscal year. When preparing the budget for the new fiscal year, we will get the program approved and allocate the budget to include all these expenses. If we can continue working at the current pace, we are moving forward with the goal of completing this project within two years at the latest.

• Is there a shortage of workers?

No. We have found sufficient workers.