Kathmandu, November 23

At least two dozen literary figures, including members of civil society, joined a civil society-led campaign ‘Occupy Tundikhel’ reciting poems written on encroachment of Tundikhel and importance of open space in urban areas.

Activists and locals have been organising different programmes every Saturday as part of the campaign for the last three weeks in a bid to exert pressure on the government to vacate the encroached area of Tundikhel, including Khula Manch and Nepal Army pavilion.

Nepali literary figures such as Shrawan Mukarung, Nawaraj Parajuli, Durgalal Shrestha, Devi Nepal, Ram Prasad Gyawali, Prabha Bhattarai, Biplov Prateek, Biplov Dhakal, Ranju Dahal, Rupak Aalankar and Bhola Baral participated in poetry recitation. Similarly, civil society members such as Kanak Mani Dixit and  Birendra Bhakta Shrestha also recited poems in front of hundreds of campaign supporters.

Some of the poets even satirised the government for encroaching public places.

Activists have called for various programmes every Saturday for three months as part of ‘Occupy Tundikhel’ campaign.

Last Saturday, activists had planted a Khari (Celtis Australis) tree sapling.

Activists have planned to call various experts working in the field of environment, urban management, water resources, history and culture at Tundikhel in the coming weeks.

Activists are also planning to visit the houses of local leaders’ seeking their support for the campaign.