KATHMANDU: Tikapur Multiple Campus, an affiliate of Sudurpaschim University, is grappling with long-standing encroachment issues, with over 300 bighas of its land unlawfully occupied.

Despite the former Tikapur Development Committee allocating 380 bighas for campus development in 2062 BS, only 80 bighas have been utilized to date.

Campus authorities have flagged the encroachment on the additional 300 bighas, with various groups, including those masquerading as Mukta Kamaiya and landless individuals, settling on the land.

According to Campus Chief Dhabindra Rawal, encroachment commenced in 2063 BS, with approximately 1,500 households now residing in temporary shelters on the encroached land.

“We run agricultural (AG) programs, but lack adequate space for practical training,” Rawal lamented, citing challenges stemming from insufficient infrastructure and laboratory facilities.

Despite repeated appeals, neither local nor provincial governments have taken action against encroachers, revealed Rawal.

“Despite deliberations involving local and provincial governments and political leaders in all-party meetings, encroachment persists,” noted Sudurpaschim University Vice-Chancellor Karna Thapa.

Thapa highlighted the encroachment’s adverse impact on AG programs, stressing the lost opportunity for students to utilize the land for agricultural learning and practice.

“We urge authorities to address encroachment through legal means and adhere to the master plan for campus development,” emphasized Thapa.

Tikapur Municipality Mayor Ram Lal Dagaura Tharu acknowledged encroachment as a persistent issue, fueled by years of resident settlement on the land.