Bulldozers to roll through more than half a dozen squatter settlements in Kathmandu today

Kathmandu, May 1

The government is deploying bulldozers today across all squatter settlements along the riverbanks of Kathmandu.

Starting today, demolition operations are being carried out in Ward No. 11 (Banshighat), Ward No. 14 (Balkhu), Ward No. 15 (Swayambhu), Ward No. 16 (Balaju), and Wards No. 3 and 26 covering Samakhushi, Khadipakha, Ranibari, and the surrounding areas of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Municipal Police teams have already been mobilised. The Kathmandu District Administration Office has warned that anyone who defies the evacuation notice and suffers damage as a result will bear full personal responsibility.

The District Administration Office had issued a press release on Wednesday announcing that the settlement clearance operation would begin simultaneously across all sites at 7 am on May 1 (today).

The administration’s notice states that settlements illegally occupying riverbanks, government land, fallow land, public land, and private land within Kathmandu district for years are being cleared starting at 7 am today, citing humanitarian rescue and disaster risk reduction as the primary reasons.

After the government began broadcasting announcements about the demolition, squatters living along the Dhobi Khola in Anamnagar were seen leaving their settlements as early as Thursday.

The government had previously conducted bulldozer operations on April 25 in Thapathali, Gairiagaun, Sinamangal, Manohara, and surrounding areas. The administration has stated that the remaining areas will be cleared starting today.

The administration has issued 13 immediate instructions to residents of affected settlements:

1. Immediately vacate homes and shelters built in high-risk areas.
   
2. Prioritise the safe relocation of sick, disabled, elderly, pregnant, postpartum, or young children in your household.
   
3. Seek assistance from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Municipal Police for evacuating the sick, disabled, chronically ill, and senior citizens. Ambulances will be on standby for those requiring hospital transport.
   
4. Remove all personal belongings, clothing, and livestock. Police and municipal authorities will assist with transport to other locations.
   
5. Fully vacate homes and shelters by the evening of April 30.
   
6. Genuinely displaced individuals and families will be provided with temporary accommodation arranged by the Government of Nepal.
   
7. Genuinely landless individuals and families will be identified, and a lasting solution will be pursued as quickly as possible through the relevant government bodies.
   
8. Humanitarian assistance and rescue services will be provided. Do not follow rumours, pressure, or misinformation from any source.
   
9. Individuals and families found to be falsely claiming landless status will be identified and subjected to legal action.
   
10. Your safety, protection of life, and constitutional rights will be upheld.
    
11. Supporting this government campaign is also your duty and responsibility.
    
12. The government is here to help and support you. Arrangements for your children’s education will be made by the government.
    
13. Anyone who ignores this notice and suffers additional damage from the demolition of their home or shelter will be personally responsible for that outcome.

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