Kathmandu, May 2: Nepal’s government has intensified its demolition campaign against illegal settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, tearing down around 2,000 structures built along riverbanks, public land, and government property.
The latest demolitions on Saturday targeted areas including Swoyambhu, Balaju, and Dhovikhola, with thousands of security personnel deployed to oversee the operation. Similar drives were carried out in recent days in Teku, Balkhu, Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara.
While authorities say the campaign is necessary for urban beautification and environmental protection, it has drawn strong criticism from opposition leaders and activists, who argue the government has failed to handle the situation humanely.
Concerns focus on the lack of prior notice, insufficient time for residents to relocate belongings, and the absence of proper rehabilitation plans for displaced families.
Opposition figures have stressed that development efforts must balance legal enforcement with compassion.
Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsingh K.C. said that although the objective may be valid, the execution raises humanitarian, legal, and social concerns—particularly the displacement of vulnerable communities without alternative housing.
CPN-UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel warned that failing to rehabilitate thousands of displaced people before the monsoon season could trigger a serious humanitarian crisis.
Critics have also highlighted poor conditions at temporary holding centres and the government’s failure to collect accurate data on landless settlers before launching the demolitions.
Activist Raksha Bam urged Prime Minister Balendra Shah to act with empathy, arguing that the state has a responsibility to support its most vulnerable citizens with dignity and care.
The human cost of the crackdown has further fueled outrage.
An elderly man from a squatter settlement in Balkhu reportedly died by suicide after his home was demolished.
Police later recovered his body near the Bagmati River. Displaced residents have also raised concerns about restrictions at temporary shelters. One labourer, Santa Bahadur, said he was unable to leave a holding centre in Kirtipur to work or allow relatives to visit, leaving families struggling to survive without income.
The situation underscores growing tensions between urban development goals and the urgent need for inclusive, humane policies to protect vulnerable populations. (PTI)
