KATHMANDU: Landless, squatters and informal settlers currently staying in a holding center have warned that they will be forced to return to their previous settlements if the government attempts to evict them without ensuring permanent rehabilitation.
Issuing a joint concern letter on Thursday, residents at the holding center at the National Drinking Water and Training Center in Nagarjun expressed strong objections to the government’s move.
They said it has already been two months since they were relocated to the holding center following eviction, but no permanent solution has been provided.
According to them, the government is now preparing to vacate the holding center despite inadequate living space, food supply and basic services.
The letter also claims that on June 23, some government representatives visited the site and offered Rs 25,000 per family in exchange for leaving the center, which the residents interpreted as pressure rather than a solution.
The affected families have demanded that those already verified through local-level surveys be prioritized for permanent settlement, especially those displaced through eviction, and that essential services be provided until a long-term solution is in place.
They also urged the government to implement commitments made in national policy and programs regarding the proper settlement of landless, squatters and informal settlers.
In their strongest warning, the residents said they would be compelled to return to their previous settlements and rebuild makeshift shelters if no alternative housing arrangement is made before eviction from the holding center.
They have urged authorities to immediately initiate dialogue and begin the process of a permanent solution.
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