Government Poised To Settle Landless Squatters
Summary
The government has intensified evictions of landless squatters along the Bagmati River and other public land in Kathmandu Valley as part of a drive to reclaim encroached areas and reduce flood risk. The process has drawn criticism over the lack of a clear relocation plan, poor handling of belongings, and humanitarian concerns for displaced families.
Key Points
- The government has launched a nationwide push to reclaim public land and remove unlawful settlements, with major evictions already carried out along Bagmati River banks in Kathmandu Valley.
- By May 4, 2,202 landless squatters in the valley had approached the government seeking rehabilitation, while thousands of families across the country still remain landless.
- The eviction drive has been criticized for inadequate relocation planning, unsafe storage of belongings, and the distress it has caused to children, women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
- The article argues for a humane, phased approach that verifies genuine squatters and prepares resettlement and temporary holding arrangements before further demolitions.
