Kathmandu

Nepal authorities on Saturday demolished hundreds of illegal structures built by landless settlers along the banks of the Bagmati River in the Thapathali and Gairegaun areas of Kathmandu.

The demolition drive was carried out jointly by the federal government and Kathmandu Metropolitan City, led by Balendra Shah, with assistance from the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and metropolitan police personnel.

Police said around two dozen families living in the Thapathali area had been moved to temporary shelters at Dasharath Stadium and Kirtipur Municipality.

About 146 families residing in huts and temporary shelters were removed from Thapathali, while nearly 200 families were cleared from Gairegaun.

Officials said the action is part of the government’s broader plan for beautification of Kathmandu and restoration of the Bagmati riverbanks.

Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, had previously attempted to remove the encroachments in Thapathali during his tenure as mayor a few years ago, but the effort did not succeed due to lack of support from the government led by K P Sharma Oli.

This time, the operation remained peaceful after settlers were informed in advance to vacate voluntarily and shift their belongings, with assurances of alternative arrangements.

The government also issued a notice promising land and rehabilitation support to eligible landless settlers.

READ MORE: Baba Bihari Singh's 'Kanyadaan' for Soni Khatun moves netizens

Authorities said illegal structures in the Shantinagar and Gaushala areas along the riverbank would also be removed during the two-day drive.