Squatters Given Five-Day Ultimatum to Vacate Holding Center

Kathmandu. After removing unauthorized settlements along the banks of the Bagmati River, the Authority-Empowered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee has posted a notice for the squatters and landless people temporarily residing at the holding center in Kirtipur to vacate the premises as well. 

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5-day ultimatum to squatters to vacate holding center

The notice states that the center must be vacated within five days. In this regard, Ratopati's conversation with the committee's Project Director Machakaji Maharjan:

• What is the issue regarding the notice posted to the displaced people in the Kirtipur holding center to vacate the building within five days?

The Government of Nepal has already decided to provide Rs 25,000 as resettlement expenses to the displaced families residing in and outside the holding center. The necessary budget for this has been requested and received by us. As there is a policy arrangement to distribute or spend this budget by Ashad 15, we have expedited the process. The notice has been issued with a five-day deadline for the citizens temporarily residing in the holding center to find safe accommodation on their own and settle down, as it is not possible to keep them there indefinitely.

• Why are the squatters and landless people temporarily residing there being pressured to vacate immediately with only a short five-day period?

Staying in the holding center for a long time is causing inconvenience in their daily livelihoods, work, and other activities. The situation there has created a sense of abandonment and disarray, making it necessary to resettle them in society. Moreover, the monsoon season has already begun, and as this center is located by the river, the risk of floods and other natural disasters may increase. Those living outside, like them, are also cooperating with the government by finding rooms on their own. Therefore, this step has been taken for safety and organized living.

• What is the process for distributing the Rs 25,000 resettlement allowance?

For this, they need to provide the necessary details. It is expected that after receiving this amount, it will be somewhat easier for them to find rooms outside and make initial arrangements. We are preparing to send this amount to their accounts as soon as possible.

• Even with the lump sum of Rs 25,000, it is difficult to rent a room in the current expensive market; is there any additional support arrangement for this?

In addition to providing a lump sum of Rs 25,000 as resettlement expenses, the government has decided to provide rent for rooms at a rate of Rs 15,000 per month for three months in installments. This is interim relief until the permanent settlement of the landless and squatters is achieved. Based on the assumption that the National Land Commission will find a permanent solution, the decision has been made to provide rent support for three months immediately, and the state may make further policy decisions later if necessary.

• How many families are currently dependent on how many holding centers, and have any of them started receiving this amount?

Currently, a total of 388 families are dependent on our six holding centers. No one has received the amount yet. We have posted notices in all centers starting today and have initiated the process. Our various teams have been deployed to the centers to collect applications and gather necessary details.

• What happens if some families cannot find a room within this short five-day period or cannot vacate the center due to other technical reasons?

It is not expected that everyone will be able to vacate within five days, but if some families do, it will be a positive start. As the number of dependents gradually decreases, it will be easier for the government to manage the remaining ones. If anyone faces practical problems or cannot find a room immediately, we can understand their problem and reconsider other suitable options.

• Previously, displaced people were hesitant to accept cash relief from the government; what is their reaction now?

In the past, due to some misunderstandings or confusion, there might have been a fear of being permanently sidelined by the government upon accepting the money. However, we are now trying to explain to them that this is immediate assistance for their safe housing and resettlement. We believe that once all the processes are clarified in the coming days and they see other individuals accepting the amount and managing their resettlement, they will understand and cooperate.