Structures built on compensated land

By Our Correspondent, Urlabari, May 2: Encroachment has yet to be cleared in areas where compensation has already been distributed for the construction of the Kanepokhari–Rangeli road in Morang district.

The Postal Highway Directorate Project Office in Itahari had disbursed compensation amounting to Rs. 50.65 million around 15 years ago during the road construction process. An additional Rs. 50 million was spent to remove houses and temporary structures falling within the Rangeli market section of the road.

According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the road was originally planned to be expanded to 100 feet—50 feet on either side from the centreline. Compensation was accordingly provided to landowners within that range. However, the road was later constructed with a reduced width of just 60 feet, maintaining 30 feet on each side. The Directorate has not provided a clear explanation as to why compensation was initially paid for a wider stretch and later reduced.

Following the reduction in road width, landowners began occupying the remaining areas from 2011 onwards, constructing houses, sheds and boundary walls. From Bakraha Bridge in northern Rangeli market to Chopraha near the southern border, a stretch of approximately three kilometres has been developed as a 60-foot road.

Ward Chairperson of Rangeli Municipality-6, Sujit Kumar Mandal, stated that residents have been using approximately 20 feet on either side of the road. “We received a letter from the District Administration Office on 30 April and have begun discussions. This is not encroachment but utilisation, as the land was not ultimately used for the road. No permanent structures have been built there,” he said.

The Kanepokhari–Rangeli road passes through Ward Nos. 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of Rangeli Municipality, and Ward Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Kanepokhari Rural Municipality. Despite compensation being provided to affected landowners, locals say structures were built on the land as there was no immediate plan to expand the road.

Ravindra Baral of Rangeli-7 said residents constructed structures on the compensated land due to delays in road expansion.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office in Morang has issued a circular to all 17 local levels, directing them to submit details of encroachments across the district.