KATHMANDU: The government has completed the removal of squatter settlements from riverbanks and public land across the Kathmandu Valley under a campaign launched on April 25.
Authorities have cleared unmanaged settlements from areas including Manohara, Gairigaun, Balkhu, Teku, and Balaju. The sites, once occupied by informal settlements, are now largely open and vacant, significantly changing the appearance of areas that had been encroached upon for years.
The initiative was carried out with a focus on protecting the Bagmati River and its tributaries, improving the urban environment, and strengthening city management.
According to officials, efforts are now underway to conserve and manage the cleared spaces. The Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City are jointly implementing measures to prevent renewed encroachment and improve the river corridor.
The agencies are carrying out activities such as fencing, tree plantation, riverbank management, construction of pedestrian pathways, beautification projects, and regular monitoring of the cleared areas.
Authorities have also tightened security and surveillance arrangements to prevent the return of illegal settlements on the vacated land.
Government agencies said the campaign will continue as part of broader efforts to protect river systems, maintain environmental balance, ensure proper utilization of public property, and improve the urban environment of the Kathmandu Valley.
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