325 households identified as landless in Pokhara Bus Park

Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) has officially identified 325 households residing in the Pokhara Bus Park area as landless. This conclusion was reached after a comprehensive investigation into Dalit, landless, squatter, and unorganized occupants within the bus park vicinity. The PMC had previously invited applications for the management of these landless individuals.

Mayor Dhanraj Acharya stated that after cross-checking and investigating applications with ward-level facilitation, the city listed 242 households categorized as unorganized settlers. Initial applications included 200 landless Dalits, 248 landless squatters, and 116 unorganized settlers. Following verification and an additional study, the final count confirmed 144 landless Dalit households and 181 landless squatter households, totaling 325.

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The local level will make a decision from its executive council and forward recommendation to the district committee for further action.

Mayor Acharya announced that the local government will proceed with managing these identified households. The next phase involves forwarding recommendations from PMC's executive council to the district committee for further action. He emphasized the local government's commitment to addressing the landless settlers' issues and delivering justice.

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It’s wrong to put the entire blame on us for not getting the Bus Park expanded. There are several reasons behind the sluggish expansion of the Bus Park.

Prem Gurung, coordinator of the Landless Squatters’ Concern Committee, stated that landless people would not oppose development initiatives but stressed the necessity of proper management and rehabilitation before any evacuation. Gurung also pointed out that the slow expansion of the Bus Park is due to multiple factors, not solely the settlers. He pledged cooperation from the settlers but insisted on rehabilitation.

The land for the bus park was acquired 50 years ago, yet progress remained stagnant, forcing commuters to use roadside points for transportation. PMC has plans to develop a modern bus park with donor assistance, and recently demolished structures on public land. The relocation of the identified households is the anticipated next step.

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It’s wrong to put the entire blame on us for not getting the Bus Park expanded. There are several reasons behind the sluggish expansion of the Bus Park.