Govt to clear public land after resettling genuine squatters

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu,May .1: Meanwhile, the government has clarified that it will proceed with clearing encroached public and government land only after identifying genuine landless squatters and ensuring their safe resettlement, reaffirming its firm commitment to this approach. 

Acknowledging the concerns among genuine squatters, the government has urged them not to panic.

In view of the upcoming monsoon season, the government launched a special campaign from April 25, targeting high-risk settlements along the Bagmati River and its tributaries in the Kathmandu Valley that are vulnerable to annual flooding and inundation.

Prioritising the protection of lives and property, authorities have already cleared high-risk settlements in Thapathali, Shantinagar, Gairigaun, and areas along the Manohara riverbanks, including Gothatar Buddhachowk and Manohara Tole in Kageshwari Manohara Municipality.

Minister for Urban Development Sunil Lamsal clarified that these riverbank settlements, which face a high risk of flooding during the monsoon, were cleared solely from a humanitarian and safety perspective. 

He assured that in other areas, the process of clearing land would not proceed until a proper framework for identifying and managing landless squatters is in place. He also urged genuine landless families to remain unperturbed.

The campaign is being carried out in line with a policy decision of the government. A Cabinet meeting held on March 27 had approved a “100-point governance reform agenda”, which includes provisions for protecting public land, maintaining digital records and strictly preventing new encroachments.

To implement this policy, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration issued a circular on Thursday to all local levels across the country. 

In accordance with the Local Government Operation Act, 2017, local governments bear primary responsibility for protecting public property. The ministry has therefore directed local bodies to identify landless squatters and prepare concrete plans for their safe management.

The ministry has also emphasised safeguarding the basic human rights of affected individuals during the resettlement process. 

Local authorities have been instructed to ensure safe housing, access to healthcare, adequate nutrition, protection of privacy, and gender- and disability-friendly accommodation and security arrangements.

Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal reiterated that the government remains committed to clearing public land only after properly identifying and managing landless squatters. 

She stressed that, given the sensitivity of the issue, local governments must act responsibly and with a humanitarian approach.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued directives to all District Administration Offices, stating that local governments must take the lead in identifying squatters and preparing management plans, and must provide prior notice to local communities before carrying out eviction drives. 

The ministry clarified that district administrations will provide security support only when requested, based on the needs and plans of local authorities.

Dipa Dahal, press and research adviser to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, said the government is advancing both the protection of public property and dignified rehabilitation of genuine landless squatters in a balanced and humane manner. 

“There is no reason for genuine landless people living on public land to worry. The government is working in a planned way to ensure their safe and dignified resettlement,” she said.