KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, has issued a directive to dismantle illegal structures and recover lost land belonging to the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).

Expressing determination during a PADT Board meeting in Kathmandu, Minister Kirati sought the support of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah for the trust’s efforts in land acquisition and the removal of unauthorized constructions.

In response to the minister’s directive, the Board has instructed the Fund’s officials to promptly take legal actions to demolish unauthorized structures and reclaim lands forcibly acquired by individuals.

According to PADT sources, multiple plots of land in Gachhapokhari, Kathmandu-8, registered under kittas 102, 333, 335, 110, 419, 311, 286, 112, 117, and 283, totaling 3 ropani 6 aana 1 paisa, have been illicitly occupied and transformed into luxury residences.

Similarly, in Ward No. 3, structures have been erected on land previously identified as kitta numbers 143, 144, 65, and 28, totaling 3 ropani 8 aana, for personal use.

In the Lampokhari area, individuals have also acquired and utilized plots under kitta number 135, 180, and 83.

The PADT Board has decided to follow legal procedures and conduct a thorough evaluation before instructing the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to dismantle these structures.

Mayor Balen Sah, a board member, has assured swift action to reclaim encroached land within an hour of receiving details from the PADT.

Furthermore, a committee has been formed to investigate the misappropriation of 29 ropani of PADT’s land in Gothatar, mysteriously missing from the plot details.

Minister Kirati has underscored the seriousness of the misappropriation and embezzlement of PADT land, comparing it to the shocking Lalita Niwas scam.