Evicted new mothers and children struggle in temporary shelters

The government's eviction drive has left vulnerable families, including new mothers and their infants, in dire conditions at temporary shelters. Reports from the Kirtipur center paint a grim picture: families are crammed into noisy, unfamiliar spaces, struggling with inadequate food, and facing exposure to the elements. Sabina Nepali's account, where she breastfeeds her infant amid constant noise and worries about insufficient milk, highlights the profound difficulties faced by these displaced individuals.

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At home, we could eat what we wanted. Here, we get tea and biscuits in the morning and have to eat whatever is cooked for everyone.

The lack of basic amenities like hot water and partitions for privacy exacerbates the hardship, particularly for mothers and the sick. The food restrictions, barring meat, fish, and eggs, further add to the distress. While authorities claim to be assisting, the experiences of those displaced suggest a severe lack of preparedness and empathy in managing the relocation process.

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Milk is not enough. At home, I used to cook porridge. How can I do that here? I mix baby food with hot water and feed her.

This situation underscores a critical failure in the government's approach to urban development and displacement. While evictions may be deemed necessary for city planning, the welfare of the affected population, especially the most vulnerable like new mothers and children, must be paramount. The current conditions in the shelters are not merely inconvenient; they pose a risk to the health and well-being of infants and their caregivers. The Kathmandu Post believes that a more humane and organized approach is urgently needed to ensure the dignity and safety of all citizens, particularly those caught in the crossfire of development projects.

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My baby was bitten by mosquitoes all over her face and body. I only got a mosquito net after complaining.