KATHMANDU: Despite being under government acquisition for over 50 years, the dispute surrounding the Tinkune land in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32 remains unresolved.
On Friday, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah criticized the government’s inaction during his address at the Koteshwar Festival.
He described the situation as a long-standing injustice where locals have neither received compensation nor seen any development on the seized land.
“This has been going on for over five decades. Governments come and go, but no one takes action. Even with the current government having a two-thirds majority, nothing has been done,” Mayor Shah remarked.
He further emphasized that with key ministries, including the Prime Minister’s Office, under the same political leadership, the issue should have been resolved by now.
History of the Dispute
The controversy dates back to Jestha 14, 2031 BS, when the Panchayat-era government initiated the acquisition of 53 ropanis of land in Tinkune. Initially, the land was intended for the construction of a “Panchayat Memorial,” but the project never materialized.
In 2052 BS, the land was officially registered under the government and the Department of Roads.
However, after a Supreme Court ruling, the registration was canceled, and compensation for the acquired land was ordered.
In 2059 BS, the government allocated Rs. 15 crores to distribute compensation, setting a rate of Rs. 51.2 lakhs per ropani.
By 2066 BS, Rs. 10.8 crores had been distributed to some landowners through the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
The remaining funds were returned to the administration as certain landowners rejected the compensation, demanding payment at current market rates.
Current Impasse
Out of the 53 ropanis acquired, compensation for 21 ropanis has been distributed.
However, 25 ropanis remain uncompensated. Landowners insist on being paid at prevailing market rates, while the government refuses, citing that previous compensation was paid at older rates.
This unresolved dispute prompted Mayor Shah to express frustration, holding the current government accountable. “If this isn’t resolved now, it will never be,” he said, urging swift action to address the longstanding grievances of landowners.
Comment