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🇳🇵 Nepal /Crime & Justice

Around 300 huts along Gandak Canal face eviction within 15 days

From Kathmandu Post · (4m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Around 300 huts along the Gandak Canal in Nepal's Nawalparasi East district face eviction within 15 days following an official notice.
  • The Nepal Gandak West Canal Irrigation Management Office issued the directive to remove structures encroaching on the canal area by April 28.
  • Residents, many of whom have lived there for years, are concerned, with the affected area including informal settlements often used as small taverns.

Authorities in Nepal have issued a stark eviction notice to approximately 300 households residing along the Gandak Canal in Triveni Dham, Nawalparasi East. The Nepal Gandak West Canal Irrigation Management Office has mandated that all structures built on the canal's land must be cleared within a strict 15-day deadline, with legal action threatened for non-compliance.

all structures built by encroaching on the canal area must be cleared by the occupants within the deadline, failing which legal action will be taken.

— Nepal Gandak West Canal Irrigation Management OfficeThis quote directly states the official directive and the consequences of non-compliance.

This sudden directive, made public on May 5 but dated April 28, impacts settlements that have developed over many years along the Narayani River and the Gandak West Canal system. The affected wards, 6 and 7 of Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality, are home to numerous informal structures, many of which locals report are used as small taverns, attracting Indian visitors and contributing to ongoing activity.

the eviction notice covers a stretch of around 19 kilometres, from Triveni Bus Park to Jhulanipur in the south-west.

— Narendra ShahThe ward chair provides the geographical scope of the eviction, indicating the extensive area affected.

The eviction order has understandably caused significant concern among the long-term residents. While the government cites encroachment on canal land, the local perspective highlights the established nature of these communities. The presence of informal businesses, particularly those selling alcohol, has also been a point of contention, with some locals having long advocated for restrictions in the religiously and historically significant Triveni Dham area. The authorities' firm stance, however, prioritizes the clearing of canal land, signaling a potential shift in land use and management in the region.

most of the huts along the canal are used as small taverns where alcohol is sold.

— LocalsThis quote provides insight into the nature of the settlements and their economic activities, as perceived by residents.
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Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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