Thapathali residents begin leaving as demolition nears

Kathmandu-Residents living along the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali, Kathmandu, have started vacating their homes. After the government prepared to demolish the settlement structures, locals began moving their belongings from early this morning. However, some youths have gathered and are protesting against the government.

Police had made announcements via loudspeakers on Thursday evening, urging residents to leave the area. Earlier, following the resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung on Wednesday, Prime Minister Balen Shah called a meeting with security chiefs and directed them to clear the squatter settlements.

Acting on the Prime Minister’s directive, Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudyal convened a District Security Committee meeting on Thursday, which decided to evacuate the settlement. The meeting was attended by Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol and other security officials.

According to the committee’s decision, police conducted public announcements on Thursday evening in four squatter settlements in Kathmandu, including Thapathali.

The administration has stated that, in the first phase, dozers will be used to clear four settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, including Thapathali.