KATHMANDU: Areas along riverbanks and other public land in the Kathmandu Valley have turned desolate after the government demolished houses and shanties built by squatters accused of encroaching on state-owned land.
The displaced residents have been kept in holding centers, while scrap collectors have now become increasingly active in the debris-strewn areas.
The demolition of dozens of squatter settlements across the Valley has created new opportunities for scrap dealers, who are busy collecting reusable materials from the destroyed structures.
For many scrap collectors, the deserted settlements have become a source of income.
Following the demolition of the squatter settlement at Banshighat in Teku last Saturday, the area has witnessed a growing presence of scrap collectors searching through the ruins.
From early morning, scrap dealers can be seen gathering corrugated zinc sheets, iron rods, and other metal materials from the demolished homes and temporary shelters in Banshighat.
Photo: Nepal Photo Library
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