Birgunj launches drive to demolish over 1,000 roadside structures

The recent demolition drive in Birgunj, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, highlights a critical tension between urban development and the rights of citizens. While the Birgunj Metropolitan City's action to clear illegal structures along the Gandak-Miteri Bridge stretch of the Tribhuvan Highway is ostensibly in line with a Supreme Court verdict and federal government decisions, the execution has sparked considerable backlash.

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We have begun removing structures built within the road boundary from Gandak Chowk to Miteri Bridge. There are around 1,000 to 1,200 such structures.

From the perspective of the affected residents and traders, the process has been heavy-handed and lacking in due consideration. The notice, issued late Saturday evening for a demolition starting before dawn on Sunday, left them with virtually no time to salvage goods or make alternative arrangements. This abruptness has led to accusations of injustice and has disproportionately impacted traders who rely on these structures for their livelihood.

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We were suddenly told that demolition would begin at 4:30 am on Sunday. Traders have suffered the most because they could not even move their goods in time.

This situation is not unique to Birgunj; similar drives in places like Butwal have also seen traders express grievances about high-handed tactics and inadequate record-keeping of seized goods. While the need for clear, unobstructed roadways is undeniable for public safety and infrastructure integrity, the manner in which these clearances are conducted raises serious questions about public consultation and fair process. As a Nepali publication, we feel it's important to amplify the voices of those affected, ensuring that development initiatives do not come at the cost of basic fairness and adequate notice for citizens.

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The administration had instructed people to remove structures within the designated boundary or face forced eviction.