Apr 26, Kathmandu - Kathmandu's authorities have intensified efforts to demolish settlements built on encroached public land across various locations in the city. On Saturday, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City cleared three such settlements, marking a significant step in urban development and environmental conservation.

The targeted settlements included those along the Bagmati Riverbank in Thapathali (Metropolitan City–11), and encroachments in the Garigaun-Sinamangal area of Ward No. 9, as well as Shantinagar in Ward No. 31. Using heavy machinery, the government dismantled both temporary and permanent structures constructed illegally on government land.

Vishnuprasad Joshi, chief of Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Force, explained that the work was completed swiftly in Thapathali due to fewer permanent structures there. However, in Garigaun-Sinamangal, the larger number of solidly built houses meant the demolition extended into late hours.

A joint team from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Kathmandu Metropolitan Police assisted residents in safely relocating their belongings before the structures were demolished. Despite the efforts to clear the area, debris and materials from the demolished structures remain scattered, causing some inconvenience for commuters. The authorities have assured that cleanup operations will continue gradually.

According to the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, numerous homeless families reside in these encroached zones—143 families in Thapathali, 162 in Garigaun, 77 in Ghatotar, 476 in Shantinagar, and 13 in Manohara Tol, totaling 871 families.

The government emphasizes safeguarding public land and managing riverbank areas as part of its broader urban beautification, environmental preservation, and long-term city planning initiatives. Nonetheless, concerns are rising regarding the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families, with stakeholders calling for systematic solutions to ensure sustainable housing options.

While the eviction process proceeded smoothly in Thapathali, Garigaun, and Sinamangal, clashes erupted at a squatter settlement near Manohara River in Bhaktapur, where residents resisted eviction. During the confrontation, 22 security personnel were injured after being attacked with stones, bottles, and debris.

Nawaraj Dungana, Deputy Superintendent of Mid-Region Police, confirmed that 11 police officers from Nepal Police and 11 from Armed Police Force sustained injuries during the incident, which involved stone-throwing and attacks on security personnel.

The authorities continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of lawful eviction procedures while ensuring safety for all involved.