POKHARA, MAY 28
Pokhara Metropolitan City on Thursday began demolishing unauthorized structures built on encroached government land in the Prithvi Chowk area of Ward No. 9.
Using two bulldozers under heavy security deployment, the metropolitan office started removing buildings and structures constructed by various organisations east of Hong Kong Bazaar. The demolished structures include buildings used by Nepal Trade Union Congress, GEFONT Gandaki, Community Police, Sahara Club, Himalaya Cultural Family, and a public toilet.
The demolition drive began after the metropolitan office issued prior notices asking the organisations and businesses to vacate the premises. Following the notice, tenants and organisations had cleared the buildings and shutter spaces on their own.
Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said the encroached structures were being removed to facilitate construction of a two-lane road in the area. He said the road project would help ease traffic congestion at Prithvi Chowk.
According to the metropolitan office, various organisations had constructed buildings and rented out shutter spaces after encroaching on land belonging to the Pokhara Valley Town Development Committee.
The demolition process moved ahead after an all-party and all-stakeholder discussion organised by the metropolitan office, during which political party-affiliated organisations and other groups agreed to vacate the structures.
The metropolitan office and the town development committee had issued a public notice in the first week of Baisakh directing occupants to clear the encroached land. The demolition drive began after the deadline expired.