The final preparations to remove the squatter settlement located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Thapathali have been completed through the joint initiative of the Government of Nepal and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The work to completely vacate this settlement will likely begin tomorrow, Saturday (12 Baisakh 2083).

The government and the metropolis have coordinated this time to ensure the success of this campaign, which falls under the jurisdiction of the High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilization.

Planning and Next Steps

  • Leadership and Coordination: This campaign is being spearheaded under the leadership of Minister for Urban Development Sunil Lamsal, who also serves as the Chairman of the Committee.
  • Corridor Construction: According to the Project Director of the Committee, Machakaji Maharjan, corridor construction work will commence immediately after the settlement is vacated. The project claims that once the corridor construction is complete, this area along the Bagmati banks will become extremely beautiful and well-organized.

Status and Value of Encroached Land

In this area of Thapathali, approximately 200 to 300 ropanis of public land have been encroached upon in the name of squatters. The current market value of this land, located in the heart of the capital, is estimated to be over 10 million rupees per aana.

'Jesus Residing in Squatter Settlement' and Potential Disputes

This settlement consists not only of temporary huts but also several permanent concrete structures. As a church is also operational within the settlement and it has developed as a center for Christians, some have even referred to it as "Jesus residing in the squatter settlement."

  • Shelter for Fake Squatters: Facts have emerged indicating that many individuals living in the settlement own houses and significant property in various parts of Nepal. Grievances have long been raised that the land is under the control of "Hukumbasis" (fake squatters) rather than genuine landless people.
  • Risk of Religious Conflict: Since there are dense religious activities and a church in the settlement, security agencies are on high alert regarding the possibility of religious disputes arising during the evacuation process.

Past Efforts and Current Politicization

An attempt to vacate this settlement was made when the current Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, was the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. However, at that time, the metropolis was forced to step back due to a lack of necessary cooperation from the Government of Nepal.

Although the government and the metropolis now stand together, various interest groups continue to attempt to politicize the removal of this years-old encroachment. Nevertheless, the government has prioritized this campaign, scheduled to start tomorrow, and is preparing to tighten security arrangements.