Dozers Deployed in Kathmandu’s Squatter Settlements, Over Four Thousand Personnel Engaged to Remove Illegal Structures
The government has deployed nearly four to five thousand security personnel and staff to clear squatter settlements and unplanned structures along the riverbanks in Kathmandu. Authorities have stated that details of the displaced families will be collected and they will be relocated to temporary shelters. The Chief District Officer of Kathmandu reported that following public appeals by security agencies and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, approximately 50 to 60 percent of the population from two riverbank settlements has already moved out. He emphasized that the government is proceeding with this operation with the aim of providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring long-term management.
The government announced preparations to remove illegal settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manhara areas on Saturday and Sunday. Although the exact number of families living in these settlements is not yet confirmed, the government intends to reclaim public land and identify the true status of the squatters. Some advocacy groups have expressed opposition to the government’s decision. The National Human Rights Commission has directed the government to identify the squatters accurately and manage them properly, advising restraint and caution against the use of excessive force.
According to officials, security personnel, staff, and health workers have been mobilized from early morning to clear settlements at two out of three locations. Dozers, trucks for moving belongings, and vehicles to transport displaced families to temporary holding centers and the Dashrath Rangashala stadium are also in operation. Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel mentioned that security forces have been assisting some families with moving their belongings.
He stated, “We began operations from Thapathali at 8:15 a.m. Today. We are conducting the work with the highest respect for human rights. Security personnel are using loudspeakers to check each household to ensure there are no elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, or children left behind.”
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has informed that, “On humanitarian grounds,” resettlement plans have been arranged at five locations, including 42 organized housing units in Nagarjun, the Satsang building in Kirtipur, the Agricultural Development Bank training center in Bode, as well as government buildings and vacant lands in Kharipati and Chandbag. The government has also announced that food will be provided to those displaced on Saturday and Sunday.
