KATHMANDU: The government has entered the second phase of its campaign to remove encroached settlements located along riverbanks and public land across the Kathmandu Valley, with bulldozers reaching the Balkhu area on Friday morning.
A heavy presence of security personnel was seen in the area as authorities prepared to begin demolition of unauthorized structures.
Local residents, however, were still busy removing belongings from their homes and makeshift shelters. The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, had issued a public notice on Wednesday, directing residents to vacate the settlements by Thursday evening.
Following the notice, most residents in the affected areas began moving their belongings, a process that continued into Friday morning.
According to the administration, the second phase of the campaign will cover encroached settlements in Banshighat of Teku, Shankhamul, Buddhanagar, Balkhu, Kuleshwor, Kapan, Basundhara, Gongabu, Balaju and Machhapokhari, among other areas.
Earlier, under the first phase of the campaign, settlements in Gairigaun of Sinamangal, Shantinagar, Manohara and Thapathali had already been cleared.
The government says the campaign is aimed at protecting riverbanks and public land from encroachment, while residents affected by the operation have been demanding alternative housing and proper resettlement arrangements.
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