Pokhara metropolis continues demolition of encroached structures

Pokhara Metropolitan City has launched a vigorous campaign to reclaim public land, starting with the demolition of unauthorized structures near the Prithvi Chowk bus park. The operation, which began on Thursday, aims to clear areas illegally occupied for years and restore them for public use.

Excavators are actively removing structures that had encroached upon public property. Among the demolished sites are those belonging to the Sahara Club, the Community Police Service Centre, and the Himali Cultural Family. Offices of trade unions linked to major political parties, including the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, were also found to be operating in the encroached area. These organizations had built on public road land and were reportedly renting out the spaces.

“

The campaign aims to protect public property and widen road.

Mayor Dhanraj Acharya stated the campaign's commitment to protecting public assets and expanding road networks. He expressed gratitude for stakeholder support in reclaiming land long occupied by various entities. One trade union linked to the Nepali Communist Party had already vacated its premises and handed over the keys prior to the demolition.

The metropolitan city plans to widen the road from Prithvi Chowk to New Road after clearing the current obstructions. A final 35-day notice to vacate the land expired on May 23. The eviction drive, which commenced in the Phirke river area on May 24, extended to Prithvi Chowk on Thursday. Similar demolitions are underway in the Phirke river area to clear waterways, and structures on land registered to Amar Singh Secondary School were voluntarily removed by traders after the municipality's request.

“

The municipality was committed to reclaiming public land that had long been used by various organisations, and expressed gratitude to stakeholders supporting the drive.