KATHMANDU: The government has clarified that it will proceed with clearing encroached public and government land only after identifying genuine squatters and ensuring their safe management.
Stating that it remains firm on this approach, the government has urged landless squatters not to panic, assuring that their concerns are being taken into consideration.
In view of the approaching monsoon, the government launched a special campaign from April 25 targeting high-risk settlements along the Bagmati River and its tributaries in the Kathmandu Valley, which are prone to annual flooding and inundation.
Prioritizing the safety of lives and property, authorities have already cleared vulnerable settlements in Thapathali, Shantinagar, Gairigaun, and Gothatar Buddachowk and Manohara areas of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality.
Minister for Urban Development, Sunil Lamsal, said the evacuations were carried out solely from a humanitarian perspective, given the high flood risks during the monsoon season.
He reiterated that in the case of other settlements, the government will not move forward with land clearance until a clear framework is in place for the identification and proper management of squatters. He also urged genuine squatters to remain assured.
The campaign is being implemented in line with a policy decision of the government. The Cabinet meeting held on March 26 last year approved a “100-point governance reform agenda,” which includes provisions to protect public land, create digital records, and strictly prevent new encroachments.
To implement this policy, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued a circular to all local levels across the country.
As per the Local Government Operation Act, 2017, local governments are primarily responsible for protecting public property within their jurisdictions. The ministry has directed local units to identify squatters and prepare concrete plans for their safe management.
The government has emphasized safeguarding the basic human rights of squatters during the process. Local levels have been instructed to ensure provisions such as safe housing, healthcare, nutritious food, privacy, and women- and disability-friendly facilities.
Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Pratibha Rawal, said the government is committed to clearing public land only after proper identification and management of squatters, stressing that the process is highly sensitive and must be handled responsibly by local authorities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued directives to all District Administration Offices, stating that local governments must first prepare identification and management plans and inform the public in advance before carrying out eviction drives. Security arrangements will be made only if required, based on requests from local authorities.
According to Deepa Dahal, press and research expert to the Prime Minister, the government is moving forward in a balanced and humane manner, ensuring both the protection of public property and the dignified resettlement of genuine squatters.
She said that those genuinely living on public land have no reason to worry, as the government is working in a planned way to ensure their safe and dignified rehabilitation.
Comment