Bulldozers Operating in Over Half a Dozen Informal Settlements Across Kathmandu Today
News Summary
Editorially Reviewed.
- The government has begun operating bulldozers today to clear over half a dozen unauthorized informal settlements along riverbanks in Kathmandu.
- Nepal Police, Armed Police, and Metropolitan Police have been deployed to assist in the bulldozing operations.
- The administration has urged residents to vacate homes immediately, relocate the sick and elderly to safe locations, and seek security support if needed.
April 30, Kathmandu – The government is undertaking bulldozing operations today in all informal settlements situated along riverbanks within Kathmandu.
The targeted areas include Banshighat in Ward No. 11, Balkhu in Ward No. 14, Swayambhu in Ward No. 15, Balaju in Ward No. 16, as well as Samakhushi, Khadipakha, and Ranibari located within Wards No. 3 and 26 of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
To carry out these operations, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Metropolitan Police have been deployed. The administration has warned that any damages resulting from refusing to vacate the premises will be the responsibility of the individuals themselves.
The District Administration Office of Kathmandu issued a statement on Wednesday informing that the clearing of settlements will begin simultaneously at 7 a.m. on April 30.
The notice stated that informal settlements constructed over government, public, or private land within various municipalities of Kathmandu District along riverbanks will be vacated in a humane manner today, taking into account disaster risks, by evacuating residents from multiple locations at once.
Following government announcements aired via loudspeakers regarding bulldozing, residents of the informal settlement near Dhobikhola in Anamnagar began vacating their homes starting Thursday.
Earlier, bulldozers were already active from April 24 in several settlements located in Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal, Manohara, and other areas. The administration has confirmed preparations to move bulldozers to the remaining locations from today.
Residents living in the areas slated for clearing have been requested by the administration to take immediate action on thirteen specific measures.
The administration’s requested tasks are as follows:
1. Vacate houses immediately in the high-risk settlements.
2. Safely relocate family members who are ill, disabled, elderly, pregnant, recently delivered, or very young children to secure locations.
3. Seek assistance from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, or Metropolitan Police if there is a need to rescue sick, disabled, chronically ill, or elderly individuals. Ambulances will be on standby for hospital transportation.
4. Remove personal belongings, clothes, as well as livestock and poultry. Police and municipal authorities will provide assistance if necessary.
5. Fully vacate homes by the evening of April 29, 2026 (Baisakh 17, 2083 Bikram Sambat).
6. Those in genuine need of shelter will be accommodated in government-arranged facilities.
7. Identification of truly landless individuals and families will be conducted, with sustainable solutions to their problems addressed promptly.
8. Humanitarian aid and rescue efforts will be ensured. Residents are advised not to fall for misinformation or pressure tactics.
9. Legal action will be taken against those identified as falsely claiming landless status.
10. Security, physical safety, and constitutionally guaranteed rights will be protected.
11. Cooperation with the government’s ongoing campaign is a civic duty.
12. Arrangements for children’s education will be provided by the government.
13. The administration has cautioned that failure to comply will result in individuals bearing full responsibility for any damages incurred as their homes are demolished.
