Kathmandu moves to clear riverbank settlements, Demolition drive intensifies

Mamita Bhandari

Apr 30, 2026 2 min read

Image: File photo

Kathmandu:The District Administration Office Kathmandu has announced that bulldozers will be used to clear all squatter settlements and structures built along riverbanks in Kathmandu. According to the administration, the demolition drive will begin from 7:00 AM tomorrow, with efforts to vacate such structures simultaneously.The District Administration Office Kathmandu has announced a major demolition drive targeting squatter settlements and unauthorized structures built along riverbanks across the capital.

In a public notice, the administration stated that all illegal settlements and structures constructed on riverbanks, as well as on government, public, barren, and even privately owned land that has been encroached upon, will be cleared. Authorities confirmed that bulldozers will be deployed to remove these structures and reclaim the land.

The planned demolition will affect multiple areas across the city, including wards 3 (Khadipakha, Narayantol, Ranibari), 4 (Baluwatar, Dhumbarahi), 10 (Devinagar, Shantivinayak, Shankhamul), 11 (Banshighat), 14 (Jagaran Marg), 15 (Swayambhu), 16 (Buddhajyoti, Jagritimarg), 26 (Sangam Tole), 29 (Anamnagar), and 32 (Jadibuti Milan Chowk).

Authorities have already begun public announcements in some of these areas, urging residents to vacate immediately. Locals have been instructed to complete 13 specific tasks, including fully clearing their homes and temporary shelters by this evening.

The administration also stated that individuals and families genuinely in need of shelter will be relocated to designated areas arranged by the government.

This move follows earlier demolition operations carried out in Thapathali, Gairigaun (Shantinagar), and Manohara settlement in Bhaktapur, where nearly 2,000 structures were demolished, affecting around 10,000 people.

Officials say the ongoing campaign aims to control land encroachment, manage urban development, and reduce risks associated with settlements along vulnerable riverbanks.