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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

Evicted squatters shifted to temporary lodgings, but resettlement remains uncertain

From Kathmandu Post · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Evicted squatters from Kathmandu's Thapathali and Shantinagar settlements have been moved to temporary hotel accommodations.
  • Displaced families, some of whom lived in the settlements for decades, face uncertainty about their future and the duration of their stay.
  • The government has intensified eviction drives along riverbanks and public land, with thousands of informal settler households identified in the Kathmandu Valley.

The recent demolitions in Thapathali and Shantinagar, while framed by authorities as necessary for urban development and reclaiming public land, have left hundreds of families in a state of profound uncertainty. Kumari Tamang, who lost her home of nearly 25 years, and Sangita Singh, a single mother displaced with her children, are just two faces of the crisis.

While the government has provided temporary shelter in hotels, the lack of clear communication about long-term resettlement is a source of deep anxiety. Questions about who will cover hotel expenses and what the next steps will be remain unanswered, leaving these vulnerable populations in limbo. This situation highlights a recurring issue in Kathmandu Valley, where informal settlements along riverbanks are frequently cleared, often with inadequate provisions for the displaced.

People keep telling us we cannot stay in a hotel for long. No one has told us what will happen next. I don’t even know who will pay the hotel bill. We certainly cannot afford it.

— Kumari TamangA displaced squatter expressing her uncertainty about future accommodation and financial support after her home was demolished.

The Kathmandu Post has consistently reported on the plight of informal settlers, emphasizing the human cost of such evictions. Our reporting aims to shed light on the lived experiences of those affected, challenging the narrative that these actions are solely about urban planning. The government's own data indicates a significant number of informal households reside along the Bagmati riverbanks, underscoring the scale of the challenge and the need for sustainable, humane solutions rather than temporary fixes.

From our perspective at The Kathmandu Post, the government's approach appears to prioritize immediate clearance over the long-term welfare of its citizens. The reliance on temporary hotel stays, without a concrete resettlement plan, risks exacerbating poverty and social instability. We urge authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected communities and develop comprehensive strategies that ensure dignified housing and livelihoods for all.

How long will they keep us here, and what will happen afterwards? I have no idea.

— Sangita SinghA displaced squatter highlighting the lack of clarity regarding their temporary housing situation and future plans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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