KATHMANDU: Families displaced from the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali and relocated to a holding centre at Radhaswami in Kirtipur say they are facing multiple hardships, including insecurity, loss of livelihoods and concerns over drug abuse within the shelter premises.
The displaced residents, currently living in temporary plastic tents inside a large communal hall, say the lack of privacy and security has made daily life increasingly difficult.
“We are all living together in the same space. We do not know who is trustworthy and who is not. It is difficult to sleep peacefully at night,” said a woman staying at the centre.
Residents say insecurity has also affected their ability to earn a living. While they previously worked during the day after sending their children to school, many now feel compelled to remain at the shelter to safeguard their belongings.
“One family member has to stay behind to watch our tent. We cannot leave our belongings unattended,” another resident said.
Concerns over drug use inside the centre
The situation has become more alarming for many residents following reports of open drug use within the holding centre.
According to displaced families, several youths were recently found allegedly injecting drugs inside the premises. Residents say used syringes have also been discovered, raising concerns about the safety of women and children living there.
Only four security personnel have been deployed at the centre’s main entrance, a number residents and volunteers consider insufficient.
A female police officer stationed at the site acknowledged that drugs may be entering the facility but cited practical challenges in conducting thorough checks.
“When we question people entering or leaving, they accuse us of treating them like prisoners and say they are going to work,” she said. “As the only female officer on duty, I cannot physically search male residents. It is difficult to determine how and when drugs are being brought inside.”
Volunteers at the Radhaswami Ashram echoed similar concerns, saying law enforcement faces limitations in taking action without complaints or concrete evidence. They suspect some individuals may also be bringing prohibited substances into the compound by bypassing security measures.
Flood risk adds to uncertainty
Residents are also worried about the onset of the monsoon season, as the area where the holding centre is located is reportedly vulnerable to flooding.
Volunteers say long-term solutions have yet to be developed, partly because the shelter was established as a temporary arrangement. Government agencies have completed data collection of the displaced families, and verification processes are said to be underway.
Volunteers remain hopeful that authorities will announce a more permanent resettlement plan in the coming days.
Residents urge government action
Displaced families have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate management of the holding centre.
“A holding centre should not be just a place to bring people and leave them,” said one resident. “The government must also think about how to address drug abuse inside the facility and ensure the safety of women and children.”
Residents and volunteers warn that overcrowding, limited security, growing concerns over drug abuse and the approaching monsoon could further worsen conditions if immediate measures are not taken.
While local authorities have pledged to strengthen monitoring and increase security personnel, volunteers say a long-term solution from higher authorities remains urgently needed.
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