179 displaced from squatters' settlements taking shelter in Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, May 4: People displaced from various squatter settlements across the Kathmandu Valley have been relocated to temporary shelters in Bhaktapur. 

The training centre of the Nepal Electricity Authority in Kharipati, Changu Narayan Municipality, and the Agricultural Training Centre in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality are currently being used to accommodate them, according to Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal.

Food and lodging have been provided free of cost at both facilities. The Kharipati-based centre is currently housing 140 individuals, while 39 people are staying at the Agricultural Training Centre in Bode of Madhyapur Thimi. Notably, the Kharipati facility had previously served as a quarantine site for individuals repatriated from China during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they were housed for 45 days.

On Sunday, a delegation from the Office of the Prime Minister visited Bhaktapur to assess the situation of the displaced individuals, who expressed relief at receiving free food and shelter.

Bagmati Province Health Minister Kiran Thapa Magar and Health Secretary Dr Sumita Gautam have instructed authorities to ensure prompt healthcare services for the residents.

Chief of the District Public Health Office, Anjana Khadka, said that a medical team from Bhaktapur Hospital conducted general health check-ups at both shelters on Sunday. She added that health camps, along with the distribution of medicines and psychosocial counseling, are scheduled for today.(RSS)