Former PM Dr. Baburam Bhattarai on Kathmandu's Squatter Crisis and Urban Planning
Summary
Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai discusses the challenges of Kathmandu's squatter problem, unutilized government housing projects, and the need for organized urban development and dignified relocation of squatters.
Key Points
- Disorganized urbanization and squatter settlements in Kathmandu Valley have been ongoing issues for decades.
- During Dr. Baburam Bhattarai's tenure, multi-story apartments were built to relocate squatters, but remain unused due to political and land mafia interference.
- Bhattarai emphasizes the need to differentiate real squatters from others and provide them dignified housing options.
- He urges the current government to empower local levels and the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority for organized urbanization and squatter management.
