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🇳🇵 Nepal /Conflict & Security

Kathmandu Valley riverbank squatter settlements demolished

From Kathmandu Post · (5m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Squatter settlements along riverbanks in Kathmandu Valley are being demolished starting Saturday, with residents largely cooperating and security personnel assisting in relocation efforts.
  • The government issued a public notice for residents to vacate, and while most had left by Friday, remaining structures are being removed by bulldozers, with security deployed to ensure peace.
  • Affected residents face uncertainty about their future accommodations, with the Dasharath Stadium designated as a temporary holding center for registration before relocation arrangements are made.

Authorities in Kathmandu Valley have commenced the demolition of squatter settlements along riverbanks, a move that has seen a significant security presence and the deployment of bulldozers to clear remaining structures. The operation, which began Saturday morning, has proceeded without major incident, a departure from previous attempts that were marred by clashes. This relative peace is attributed to the administration's efforts to cooperate with residents, who have been issued public notices to vacate the areas.

Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Municipal police personnel are assisting them in removing their belongings.

— Ishwar Raj PaudelKathmandu Chief District Officer on the process of assisting residents during the demolition.

Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel stated that police and armed forces personnel are actively assisting residents in removing their belongings. For those without alternative housing, Dasharath Stadium will serve as a temporary holding center. Here, their details will be recorded before arrangements are made for their relocation. This systematic approach aims to manage the displacement process, though many residents, like Kumari Tamang, express deep uncertainty about their future, especially after experiencing recent personal losses.

Those without alternatives will be taken to Dasharath Stadium, where their details will be recorded before arrangements are made to relocate them elsewhere today.

— Ishwar Raj PaudelKathmandu Chief District Officer on the immediate plan for displaced residents.

The eviction process has prompted a swift response from residents in adjacent areas like Shantinagar and Gairigaun, who are already transporting their belongings, citing the short notice as a challenge in securing rental accommodations. Meanwhile, the United National Squatter Front has voiced concerns, warning that evictions without adequate alternative arrangements violate human rights. The arrest of Narayan Pariyar, acting chair of the Squatter Front, has added a layer of tension to the ongoing developments, highlighting the complex social and political dynamics at play as the city grapples with urban development and the rights of its most vulnerable populations.

I heard the government will keep us in lodgings, but I don’t know if there will be enough space or how we will be accommodated.

— Kumari TamangA resident expressing uncertainty about relocation arrangements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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