Kathmandu's Squatter Settlements Under Scrutiny as Authorities Push for Eviction
Summary
Kathmandu authorities, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, plan to evict squatters from riverbank areas, amidst complex land ownership disputes and relocation efforts.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah has ordered the eviction of squatters from Kathmandu by Sunday, targeting riverbank settlements.
- The Land Act 2020 restricts settlement on riverbanks, forests, archaeological, and disaster-prone areas, mandating relocation of squatters from these zones.
- Surveys reveal that over 90% of squatters in Thapathali own land elsewhere, with only 5-7% considered genuine squatters.
- Previous government efforts to relocate squatters to permanent apartments have failed, leaving buildings vacant despite significant investment.
