‘Public Land Will Only Be Cleared After Identifying and Securely Managing Squatters’
April 30, Kathmandu – The government has stated that the process of clearing encroached public and government land will only proceed after identifying genuine squatters and ensuring their secure management. In light of the upcoming monsoon season, a special campaign targeting risky settlements along the banks of the Bagmati River and its tributaries in the Kathmandu Valley commenced on April 24, 2026 (Baisakh 12, 2083 BS). Prioritizing public and property safety, settlements in Thapathali, Shantinagar, Gairigaun, as well as the Gothatar, Buddachok, and Manohara neighborhoods of Kageshwari Manohara Municipality, identified as hazardous, have already been evacuated.
Addressing the situation, Urban Development Minister Sunil Lamsal clarified that the evacuation of riverbank settlements vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon has been conducted primarily from a humanitarian safety perspective. He affirmed that the government is committed to halting further land clearance activities in other areas until a comprehensive plan for identifying and properly managing squatters is developed. Minister Lamsal reassured genuine squatter families to remain confident in the government’s approach, emphasizing that this campaign aligns with the government’s policy decisions.
At the Cabinet meeting held on March 26, 2023 (Chaitra 13, 2079 BS), under the ‘One Hundred-Point Government Reform Agenda,’ item 92 focused on the protection of public land through digital record keeping and strict prevention of new encroachments. To implement this policy, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration issued a circular on April 30, 2026 (Baisakh 17, 2083 BS), addressed to all local levels nationwide. According to the Local Government Operation Act, 2017 (2074 BS), protection of public assets within local jurisdictions is primarily the responsibility of local governments. Accordingly, the ministry has instructed these authorities to prepare concrete plans for identifying and securely managing squatters.
The management process emphasizes special attention to protecting basic human rights of squatters. Local governments have been clearly directed to ensure secure housing, health care, nutritious food, privacy protection, and facilities that are friendly and safe for women and persons with disabilities during squatter management. Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Pratibha Rawal reinforced the government’s firm commitment to clearing government land only after proper identification and management of squatters, underscoring the sensitivity of this issue and the necessity for local governments to responsibly perform their humanitarian role.
Further clarifying the matter, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a circular to all District Administration Offices. It mandates that local authorities themselves prepare squatter identification and management plans, providing prior notification and awareness to local communities before removing encroachments. The ministry explicitly stated that District Administrations will arrange security measures only if necessary. The government endeavors to balance the protection of public property with the dignified rehabilitation of genuine squatters in a humane manner. Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Press and Research Officer Deepa Dahal stated, ‘Genuine squatters residing on government and public lands have no reason to worry. The government is working systematically to ensure their safe and dignified management.’
