KATHMANDU: Families displaced from squatter settlements in the Kathmandu Valley have been temporarily relocated to a shelter in Sundarighat, Kirtipur, after eviction drives carried out by the government.
Those who registered at the Dasharath Stadium are now being housed at the premises of Radhaswami Satsang Vyas Nepal.
A total of 161 individuals from 57 families displaced from Thapathali and Gairigaun settlements are currently staying at the site. Each family has been allocated a tent, although they initially stayed together in a large open hall.
Inside the tents, families sleep on mats placed on the ground, with no proper lighting arrangements. Multiple family members, including extended relatives, are forced to share limited space, making basic daily activities such as changing clothes difficult.
Restrictions and social stigma
Media access to the shelter has been restricted, with security personnel barring entry and prohibiting photography, videography and interaction with residents.
However, residents themselves expressed frustration over how their images have been shared without consent on social media.
“We now feel uncomfortable even stepping outside after our photos were circulated,” said a mother holding an infant.
They also reported facing social discrimination while searching for rental housing, saying the label of being landless has made it difficult to find accommodation.
Food and basic needs
According to volunteers, residents are being provided tea and biscuits in the morning, meals during the day and evening, and snacks in between.
However, during a visit, only beaten rice and tea were distributed as snacks, raising concerns about nutrition, particularly for children, the elderly and pregnant women.
Volunteers said special food items are arranged for young children, including those under the age of two.
Health and psychological concerns
Crowded living conditions have raised risks of sanitation and health problems, while lack of nutritious food could further worsen the situation.
Although volunteers claim that health check-ups are conducted before admitting residents, no medical personnel were present during the visit, even as new arrivals continued.
One elderly woman with diabetes said she had been unable to access her medication.
Mental health concerns are also emerging, as families cope with the sudden loss of their homes and uncertain future.
A psychologist deployed from Tribhuvan University said stress levels are high, especially among children, pregnant women and new mothers.
“Displacement has caused trauma, and without proper settlement, children’s education and well-being remain uncertain,” she said, adding that counselling and recreational activities would be necessary to support them.
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