89 Displaced Squatters Relocated After Heavy Rains Flood Holding Center

Kirtipur. After the continuous rain that came on Friday night, 89 squatters from 31 families have been moved to Kharipati after the Radhaswami Holding Center in Kirtipur was submerged. They were transferred to Kharipati on Saturday night and Sunday morning, while some families were taken to Bode in Bhaktapur. Although those who lost everything in the continuous rain and flood on Friday night have been moved to Kharipati, the victims are worried as the issues of daily livelihood, children's school commute, and long-term management remain uncertain.

For 64-year-old Menuka Gurung, who was living at the Radhaswami Holding Center in Kirtipur, last Friday night was difficult. Around 1 AM in the middle of the night, while she was fast asleep, the flood entered the holding center. Gurung, who suffers from various health problems and has undergone surgery eight times, forcibly woke up her two grandchildren – 11-year-old Bishulaxmi and 10-year-old Bishwanath. The flood washed away all their belongings and assets. Menuka, who was raising her grandchildren by trading small items like rice, lentils, soap, and detergent, said, 'The flood washed away everything, nothing remains now except this body.' According to her, all her documents except her citizenship, as well as her grandchildren's school uniforms and textbooks, were destroyed by the flood.

With their school uniforms and notebooks washed away by the flood, the displaced children are uncertain about which clothes they will wear to school. They expressed concern that their daily studies and exams might be affected as Kharipati is quite far from the school. Granddaughter Bishulaxmi and grandson Bishwanath said that arrangements for food, shelter, and clothing would suffice for them.

A team of ministers from various ministries, including the Home Minister, visited Kharipati to understand the condition of the displaced squatters. The ministers assured them of support for the education, skill-based training, and employment of the displaced children. The Ministry of Land Reform and Poverty Alleviation also committed to facilitating rent payments if they face difficulties.

However, the displaced do not seem fully convinced by the government's assurances. They are worried about where to wander with their young children until permanent housing is secured. 'The ministers only talk about giving empty land, what will a poor person like me, who cannot even afford to buy a bamboo, do with just empty land?' Menuka questioned.

Meanwhile, media personnel have been barred from entering the holding center where squatters are housed in Kharipati, Bhaktapur. Reporters who arrived for reporting were not allowed entry, being told, 'Come with permission from above.'

They were stopped, stating that entry into the holding center is only permitted with permission from the ministry or the Chief District Officer.