Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
Squatter settlements
KATHMANDU: Squatter settlements along the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali are being vacated after the government announced it would begin demolition using bulldozers from Saturday.
Residents started moving their belongings early Friday morning, with some carrying items themselves while others used vehicles to relocate. The evacuation follows a public announcement made by authorities on Thursday night instructing residents to leave the area.
Prime Minister Balen Shah had on Wednesday directed security agencies to clear squatter settlements, initiating a phased eviction plan starting with four locations in the Kathmandu Valley, including Thapathali.
Amid the evacuation, a group of Gen Z protesters gathered at Thapathali, chanting slogans against the Prime Minister and criticizing the move to displace residents without providing immediate alternatives.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City began issuing public notices through loudspeakers across affected areas including Thapathali, Manohara, and Sinamangal. According to Metropolitan Police Chief Bishnu Prasad Joshi, residents were given a series of instructions.
Authorities have asked residents to vacate all unauthorized structures by 7:00 PM on Baisakh 11 (April 24), and to safely relocate their belongings, including livestock and pets. Special priority has been given to vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, with assistance available from security agencies.
The notice states that demolition of structures will begin from 6:00 AM on Baisakh 12 (April 25), and any obstruction to the process will result in legal action. Officials have also indicated that data collection and verification of genuine landless squatters will begin immediately, with a plan to arrange proper housing within 10 to 15 days for eligible individuals.
Authorities warned that failure to comply with the notice could result in forced demolition, and individuals would be responsible for any damage to personal property during enforcement.
Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai from the Nepal Police confirmed that security personnel have been deployed to support the operation and maintain order during the eviction process.
The government has stated that the eviction drive is part of a broader effort to clear encroached public land, beginning with settlements in the Kathmandu Valley.
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