KATHMANDU: Around 40 percent of the houses and makeshift shelters along the Bagmati riverbank area in Thapathali have been peacefully removed as part of an ongoing eviction drive, officials said.
According to Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel, the demolition of illegal structures has been carried out jointly by Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Kathmandu Metropolitan Police without the use of force.
He said residents have been cooperating with the government-led campaign to clear encroachments from public and high-risk areas.
“No situation has arisen that required the use of force. The citizens living there are cooperating with the campaign,” CDO Paudel told RSS, adding that security personnel have been assisting residents in relocating their belongings.
Authorities had earlier urged squatters and landless families living in vulnerable riverbank settlements to safely move their belongings, livestock, and essential items to secure locations.
Security forces, technical teams, bulldozer operators, ambulances, and transport vehicles have been deployed to support the operation. Trucks have also been used to help transport household items, officials said.
Many families have managed their relocation independently, while those requiring assistance are being supported by the authorities, he added.
Displaced families from Thapathali have been temporarily relocated to Dasarath Rangasala, where their details are being recorded. Authorities said verified squatters will later be moved to designated temporary settlements arranged by the Ministry of Urban Development.
Officials also said humanitarian support is being provided to elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, patients, pregnant women, and children, while those needing medical care have been referred to hospitals.
The administration has planned to continue the eviction drive in other riverbank areas including Sinamangal and Gairigaun, and may extend operations to Manohara depending on time and conditions.
Prime Minister Balen Shah had earlier instructed authorities to remove illegal settlements along riverbanks across the Kathmandu Valley over the weekend.
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