Identification of Squatter Residents Begins Tomorrow; Genuine Families to Be Housed in Nagarjun Apartments Within Two Weeks

April 25, Kathmandu – The government commenced clearing squatter settlements in the Kathmandu Valley starting Saturday. Political advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), Asim Shah, reported that the eviction on the first day proceeded peacefully. “According to data from the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, there are a total of 871 unauthorized households: 476 in Shantinagar, 162 in Gairigaun, 143 in Thapathali, 77 in Gothatar, and 13 in Manohara Tol,” Asim Shah wrote on Facebook. “Following cooperation from the residents in these areas, the settlements in Thapathali were cleared in a peaceful and harmonious manner.”
So far, the government has established contact with 68 families residing in Thapathali, and outreach efforts continue at other locations, he added. “Family information is being collected after bringing contacted families to Dashrath Rangashala, and preparations are underway to temporarily house them in various hotels across Kathmandu,” he explained. Identification to confirm which families are genuine squatters will begin tomorrow. “Families verified as genuine squatters will be relocated within two weeks to government apartments located in Nagarjun Municipality-1,” he added. “Subsequent long-term arrangements for their settlement will then commence.”