Nepal Evicts Squatters in Major Cities

Authorities in several major cities of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birgunj, and Butwal, are carrying out large-scale eviction drives against people living on public land.

Many of these settlements were built illegally on riverbanks, roadsides, or government-owned property. Local governments say these structures violate urban planning rules and create safety risks.

To remove the settlements, officials are using bulldozers and cranes to demolish homes and other buildings. The government says these actions are necessary to improve city planning and reduce flood risks, especially in areas close to rivers.

Before the evictions began, authorities informed families about the orders and gave them deadlines to vacate the land.

While the government says it is following legal procedures, many affected families are now struggling to find new places to live. The situation has created difficulties for people who depended on these settlements for shelter.

The evictions highlight the growing challenge of balancing urban development with housing needs for vulnerable communities in Nepal.