Over 15,000 displaced as riverbank settlements cleared in Kathmandu

Kathmandu– More than 15,000 people have been displaced after authorities used bulldozers to clear informal settlements located along riverbanks in different parts of Kathmandu.The eviction drive began on April 25 in coordination with the federal government and local authorities. According to data released by the District Administration Office Kathmandu, settlements in 16 locations were cleared between April 25 and May 4.

The demolition campaign was carried out in areas including Thapathali, Gairigaun, Manohara, Kalopul, Balkhu, Banshighat, Shankhamul, Kalimati, Balaju, Swayambhu, Gaushala, Dhobikhola, Tenzing Chowk, Krishna Mandir, Kapan, and Sattaale.Officials said a total of 2,501 families, comprising 15,316 individuals, were displaced during the operation. Among them are 6,858 women, 5,235 men, 1,437 boys, and 1,696 girls.

According to the administration office, 2,687 structures were demolished, including 890 permanent houses and 1,797 temporary shelters and huts.Following the demolitions, some affected families reportedly managed relocation on their own, while others have been placed in government-managed holding centers.The government has stated that families staying in the holding centers will be assessed as part of a process to identify genuine landless squatters and arrange further management and rehabilitation measures.