Kathmandu Riverbank Residents Begin Leaving Homes After Eviction Notice

Residents along Kathmandu's riverbanks are facing forced displacement as authorities begin enforcing eviction notices. The District Administration Office's order has led to a hurried exodus from areas like Balkhu and Banshighat, with many families dismantling makeshift shelters and moving their belongings under challenging conditions, further worsened by rain.

The swiftness of the eviction has left many residents feeling unprepared and uncared for. Complaints about insufficient notice and the absence of concrete alternative housing solutions highlight a critical gap in the government's approach to managing urban development and its impact on vulnerable populations. The sight of belongings exposed to the elements and families struggling to transport their possessions underscores the human cost of these rapid urban clearance operations.

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No location has been finalised yet. We also lack sufficient space to accommodate them.

With authorities preparing to deploy bulldozers at numerous locations, displacing an estimated 2,000 people, the immediate concern is the lack of a finalized relocation plan. Kathmandu Metropolitan City's chief administrative officer acknowledged the difficulty in finding suitable space, indicating a potential crisis for those being uprooted. This situation raises serious questions about the city's preparedness and its commitment to ensuring the welfare of its citizens during such large-scale urban interventions.

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The municipality has called an all-party meeting to decide on the issue.