KATHMANDU: The government has begun the second phase of relocating vulnerable settlements along the Bagmati River and other rivers in the Kathmandu Valley from today.
According to Minister for Urban Development Sunil Lamsal, the move follows the completion of the first phase, during which settlements in Thapathali, Sinamangal–Gairigaun, Shantinagar, and Manohara were cleared.
Preparations for the second phase have been finalized after a coordination meeting among relevant government agencies held at the Ministry of Urban Development on Thursday.
To facilitate the relocation process, residents from high-risk areas will be transported by bus to Dasharath Stadium, which has been designated as the primary registration center. Three help desks have been set up at the venue: one for data collection, another for filling out self-declaration forms to identify squatters and gather social details, and a third for digital data entry managed by a team from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Security agencies have been assigned to assist with the storage and protection of belongings that cannot be taken to temporary shelters. Buses have also been arranged to transport families lacking immediate housing to designated holding centers.
The Ministry has ensured the provision of essential services, including health care, humanitarian aid, and counseling, at both the registration center and holding sites.
Authorities will verify individuals based on collected information; those not identified as eligible will be sent back, while verified families will receive temporary assistance and be processed for longer-term rehabilitation.
The government has also warned that individuals found to have illegally occupied riverbanks for commercial or rental purposes will face investigation and legal action.
Earlier, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, issued a notice directing residents to vacate settlements built on encroached government, public, or private land by Thursday evening.
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