68 Thapathali families in govt contact; genuine squatters to be relocated to Nagarjun

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, April 25: The government’s ongoing campaign to remove unauthorized settlements along riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley has been carried out peacefully in the Thapathali area.

According to Asim Shah, political advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the evacuation in Thapathali was completed in a harmonious manner today, thanks to the cooperation and coordination of locals.

Authorities reported that residents voluntarily supported the government’s initiative and assisted in vacating the area.

Data from the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority shows a total of 871 unauthorized households across several locations: 476 in Shantinagar, 162 in Gairigaun, 143 in Thapathali, 77 in Gothatar, and 13 in Manohara Tole.

On Saturday, 68 families displaced from Thapathali came into contact with government officials, while residents from other areas are continuing to do so. These families have been temporarily taken to Dasharath Stadium, where their personal details are being recorded.

The government has planned to accommodate the displaced families in various hotels across Kathmandu until proper arrangements are made.

Beginning Sunday, authorities will initiate a verification process to determine whether those housed are genuine squatters.

Families identified as legitimate squatters will be relocated within two weeks to government apartments located in Nagarjun Municipality-1.

The government has also stated that further steps will be taken to ensure long-term rehabilitation and management of these families.