'Genuine squatters will receive land ownership certificates by Dashain'

By Our Correspondent, Bhairahawa, May 19: Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal has said that genuine squatters will be distributed land ownership certificates by Dashain this year.

Speaking during meetings with voters and locals under Rupandehi Constituency-1, he said the government is working in a planned manner to permanently resolve the issue of squatters.

Stating that misinformation is being spread in the name of squatters to incite protests, he urged locals not to be influenced by such rumours.

“There is no point in holding protests at this time,” he said. “The government will not create problems for genuine squatters. Much of what is being circulated is merely rumor.”

Minister Lamsal claimed that his team believes in action rather than speeches. He said the issue of squatters was prioritised from the very first Cabinet meeting after the formation of the government.

“We are not a team that just talks. We are a team that delivers,” he said. “In the first Cabinet meeting itself, we prepared five action plans aimed at permanently resolving the squatters’ issue,” he added. 

The government is working with a clear 100-day action plan, he said, adding that the processes, including land measurement, data collection, identification of genuine squatters, land management and distribution of ownership certificates, have been accelerated.

“We are moving forward according to the timeline,” the minister said. “By Dashain, most genuine squatters will receive their land ownership certificates. Therefore, it is important to trust the process rather than protest.”

He also commented on recent incidents of unplanned and squatter settlements clearance in Kathmandu and other places, saying the situation in the capital is different from elsewhere. 

He claimed that locals living in high-risk areas have been relocated with alternative arrangements made for their safety.

“People should not be misled,” he said. “During the monsoon season, there is a risk of loss of life and major damage, which is why the government had to seek alternatives. Settlements have been cleared only after providing alternative arrangements.”

Minister Lamsal reiterated that the government is working towards a long-term solution to the problems of squatters and informal settlements. 

He said the government is committed to ensuring justice for landless and genuinely affected citizens.

During interactions with locals, he said development works, infrastructure expansion and basic public concerns are being prioritised. He added that the government is focused on delivering visible results to the people.

He also expressed confidence that many complex land-related issues would be resolved in the coming months and urged citizens to remain calm and confident.