Government begins demolishing unauthorized structures along Kathmandu Valley riverbanks

Kathmandu – The government’s campaign to clear encroached and squatter settlements along the riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley has gained momentum.

Following the success of the first phase, the government has begun demolishing unauthorized structures in various locations from today, Friday, as part of the second phase of the campaign.

This morning, bulldozers arrived in the Balkhu area. The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, had issued a notice on Wednesday, giving an ultimatum to vacate the settlements by Thursday evening.

Following the administration’s warning, many residents have been hastily moving their belongings to safe locations, while a heavy presence of security personnel is maintained in the area to prevent any untoward incidents.

As part of this second phase, preparations are underway to remove encroached land and structures in areas such as Teku’s Bansighat, Shankhamul, Buddhanagar, Balkhu, Kuleshwor, Kapan, Basundhara, Gongabu, Balaju, and Machhapokhari.

In some places, locals were still seen managing their belongings until this morning.

In the previously conducted first phase of the campaign, squatter settlements in Sinamangal’s Gairigaun, Shantinagar, Manohara, and Thapathali areas were cleared.

The government has taken this step with the aim of making the riverbanks in the valley beautiful and organized.

Images: