KATHMANDU: Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Balen Shah, has clarified that it is the executive authority of the metropolis to remove illegally-built structures by using force.

He said the KMC demolished only the structures that were built illegally.

He said that Section 11 (2) of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 gives the right to mobilize the Metropolitan Police Force for the purpose of preventing and controlling unauthorized construction and encroachment of public property.

“The legal basis of any unauthorized construction work by encroaching on any public or government land is automatically void,” Balen wrote on social media.

“It is the first responsibility of the metropolis to immediately prevent and control any unauthorized construction work taking place in the capital city,” he said.

He said that the Metropolitan Police Force had to be mobilized to prevent and control illegal activities after giving a 35-day notice to comply with the law.

He reminded that the constitution and laws of Nepal have entrusted the Kathmandu Metropolitan City with the legislative right to make laws, the executive right to implement the law and the judicial right to settle disputes.