Demonstration held against SC verdict regarding criteria for structures near road, river

Kathmandu, Jan 1: Residents living near roads and riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley staged a protest at Maitighar today, demanding the repeal of demarcation standards for rivers and streams, which they say are unjustifiable to local communities.

The demonstration was organized jointly by the Sanchal Struggle Committee, Bishnumati Corridor (Chamati) Ad Hoc Committee, Joint Stream Standards Affected Struggle Committee, and the Bagmati–Manohara Concerned Committee.

Protesters chanted slogans such as “Give justice, not verdicts,” “Repeal unjustifiable road and river standards,” “Do not exploit rivers,” and “Do not displace citizens in the name of criteria.”

The protest was held against a Supreme Court verdict that mandates leaving a 20-metre buffer zone on both sides of rivers when constructing structures. Demonstrators argued that the ruling would lead to the displacement of residents living near river corridors. (RSS)