Key Takeaways:

• TU says more than 700 ropanis of land have returned to its management
• Institutions have sought to vacate, renew or regularise land-use arrangements
• Action follows recommendations of a committee formed to review TU land
• Around 78 ropanis used by CAN remain under negotiation through a new agreement
• University has begun the process of managing occupied land and structures

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 6 Tribhuvan University (TU) has said more than 700 ropanis of land in Kirtipur have been brought back under its management after institutions and organisations occupying the properties formally communicated with the university regarding vacating, renewing or entering into new agreements. The clarification came after public debate over the status and use of university-owned land. TU said a process had begun to regularise, recover or manage properties occupied under various arrangements, including formal agreements, government directives and, in some cases, without authorisation. According to a statement issued by the university, repeated notices had been sent to organisations using TU land, asking them to vacate or regularise their occupancy. Following those notices, several institutions formally approached the university seeking to return land, renew existing arrangements or sign new agreements. The university's action follows recommendations made by a committee led by former secretary Sharada Prasad Trital, which was formed in May 2024 to investigate the status of TU-owned land and submit recommendations to the government. Based on a decision of the university's Executive Council, TU issued a 35-day public notice in April 2026 directing institutions occupying university land to vacate the premises. Among the institutions listed by TU are the BP Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Agriculture and Horticulture units, Nepal Water Supply Corporation, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board, Laboratory Secondary School, and the Ayurveda Research Centre, together accounting for hundreds of ropanis of land. Other entities identified by the university include police offices, professional associations, charitable organisations, banks and private companies operating on university-owned property under varying arrangements. TU said the process of managing land and structures built on those properties has now begun. The university also noted that nearly 78 ropanis currently used by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) remain under discussion through a proposed new agreement involving TU and the National Sports Council. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel said there should be no confusion regarding the issue, stating that institutions occupying the land had begun formal correspondence with the university after repeated notices and follow-up communications. The university says the ongoing process is aimed at ensuring proper management and utilisation of assets owned by Nepal's largest public university.