Demolition drive to clear encroachment along Dhamboji and Pushpalal Chowk

BY SIRAJ KHAN

Nepalgunj, Apr. 10: A demolition drive using bulldozers is currently underway to remove encroachments on both sides of the main road between Dhamboji and Pushpalal Chowk along Surkhet Road, one of the busiest commercial areas in Nepalgunj.

The Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Office said the encroachments were being cleared to construct dedicated footpaths, ensuring safer and more convenient movement for pedestrians.

The move has, however, sparked strong protests from local business owners. Encroachment removal began after authorities marked a two-meter-wide boundary from the edge of the drainage along the busy stretch from Dhamboji Chowk to Karakando Chowk and started demolishing structures with bulldozers.

Mohammad Sharif Bagwan, a businessman from Dhamboji Chowk, expressed anger over the sudden use of bulldozers, claiming it caused damage to people’s property and livelihoods. He accused the sub-metropolitan city of failing to fulfil essential responsibilities such as maintaining cleanliness, while focusing on a demolition drive. Traders in several locations have obstructed the demolition work.

Meanwhile, Mayor Prashant Bista said the bulldozer operation was part of a long-term campaign to manage road sections that had been encroached upon for years. According to him, footpaths will be constructed in the cleared areas, along with tree plantations to promote greenery.

Bista said the initiative aims to improve both urban aesthetics and traffic management, moving Nepalgunj toward a more modern urban structure.

He also stated that the sub-metropolitan city had issued a 15-day public notice earlier, asking people to remove illegal structures. The bulldozer operation was launched only after non-compliance with the notice.

According to the municipality, the footpath construction project will not be limited to the Dhamboji-Karakando section. Similar work will also be carried out along the road from Oil Corporation Chowk to Ranjha Chowk via Sarojini Hospital. Earlier, encroachments had already been cleared using bulldozers from BP Chowk to Dhamboji Chowk.

The project is estimated to cost Rs. 21.5 million. A joint venture of Gaule Construction/Panchadevi Nirman Sewa and A & A Construction has secured the contract for Rs. 20,799,211.66. According to Senior Engineer Bhupendra Bohara of the sub-metropolitan city, the project is scheduled for completion by July 4.