KATHMANDU, APRIL 26
The government has launched a nationwide campaign to remove illegal structures built on public land, including riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley.
The first phase of the drive began on Saturday, targeting high-risk settlements. Encroached structures were cleared in Thapathali, Sinamangal–Gairigaun and Shantinagar areas of Kathmandu, while demolition continued on Sunday along the Manohara riverbank in Bhaktapur with support from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, priority is being given to removing settlements in risk-prone areas. The second phase will focus on identifying genuine landless families and arranging proper resettlement.
Authorities said preliminary details of displaced families are being collected, with immediate arrangements for food and temporary shelter. So far, 214 families have come into contact with officials and have been accommodated in temporary facilities, including hotels.
The campaign has also been extended beyond the Valley. In Butwal, illegal structures built on government land have been removed, while in Nuwakot, authorities demolished dozens of encroaching structures along the Galchhi–Rasuwagadhi road corridor.
Officials said the clearance drive aims to remove structures within the road's right of way to facilitate construction of the project, which is part of a proposed international highway linking Nepal with China.
Similarly, encroachments along the Gandak canal in Parsa are being cleared, with authorities planning to remove over 300 illegal structures. The irrigation office said the campaign will cover around 26 kilometres of the canal area.
The government said the initiative is part of broader efforts to protect public land, manage river corridors, and improve urban planning and environmental conditions.
However, concerns have been raised over the rehabilitation of displaced families, with stakeholders urging authorities to ensure sustainable resettlement solutions alongside eviction efforts.
Meanwhile, minor clashes were reported during demolition at the Manohara riverbank, where 22 security personnel were injured after being attacked by settlers.