Dhangadi, February 22

After Dhangadi sub-metropolitan city started construction of a new bus park in the proposed land, encroachers started demonstrating against the authority’s decision in Kailali.

Construction of the new bus park in 10 hectare land at Boradandi area was proposed some five years ago. With the sub-metropolitan city proceeding with the construction of the bus park, the land encroachers started agitation against the authority.

They staged a sit-in and demonstrated in front of the sub-metropolitan city office today.

They have warned they will continue the protest until the authority revokes its decision.

“There is no way the concerned authority can remove our settlement. They can build the bus park in other places where there is no human settlement.

As we have been residing here for years, we are not ready to move from here at any cost,” warned Dev Raj Joshi, Coordinator of Boradandi Residential Area Development Conservation Struggle Committee.

Though the project did not have a concrete plan or budget earlier, the decision to build the bus park was taken after local residents demanded a new bus park in the area, according to sub-metropolitan engineer Dwijraj Bhatta.

“This year, the locals have been seeking permission for land ownership with the Ministry of Forest.

According to Bhatta, they had submitted a report to the Chief District Officer after identifying the area where the bus park was to be built two months ago.

“However, map designing and other details are yet to be finalised,” he said.