Janakpur demolition begins to reclaim encroached pond land

Authorities in Janakpur have initiated the demolition of houses and temporary structures occupying Gordhoi Pond, marking the start of an operation to reclaim encroached land. An excavator was brought in on Saturday morning to clear the occupied areas along the pond's embankment.

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The first phase of the operation is underway at Gordhoi Pond near Girnari Kuti, where authorities are clearing structures built on the pond’s encroached embankment.

The Guthi Sansthan, a government body overseeing heritage sites, had issued a notice on July 17, ordering individuals to vacate the encroached land. Public announcements were also made on Friday, urging voluntary compliance. However, residents failed to heed the warnings, prompting the demolition.

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The Guthi Sansthan, the government body responsible for managing and preserving Nepal’s cultural, religious and social heritage, issued a notice on July 17 asking people to vacate the encroached land.

Kishor Kumar Jha from the Janakpurdham office of the Guthi Sansthan stated that the first phase will focus on clearing encroachments from pond embankments. Out of 50 ponds identified as encroached upon in Janakpur, seven will be cleared initially. This action aims to restore these vital water bodies.

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The demolition began after residents failed to comply with the notice and repeated warnings, said Kishor Kumar Jha of the Janakpurdham office of the Guthi Sansthan.