Government Signals Firm but Humane Action on Riverbank Settlements in Kathmandu

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Government Signals Firm but Humane Action on Riverbank Settlements in Kathmandu

Government Signals Firm but Humane Action on Riverbank Settlements in Kathmandu

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-04-24 17:49:00

Kathmandu, Nepal - Prime Minister Balendra Shah has reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing issue of vulnerable settlements along riverbanks in Kathmandu Valley, emphasizing both human safety and sustainable urban management.
In a social media statement, Shah recalled the recurring scenes of monsoon devastation, where thousands of residents living near riverbanks are forced to flee suddenly floods, often leaving behind their belongings and relying on emergency rescue efforts. He described this as a “yearly cycle of risk” that authorities can no longer afford to ignore.
Shah stressed that relocating these communities is not merely an administrative decision but a matter of protecting citizens’ fundamental rights. According to him, allowing people to continue living in flood-prone and unmanaged areas amounts to exposing them to preventable disasters. “Risk-free living is their right,” he emphasized, calling for immediate and sustainable resettlement solutions rather than postponing action.
The statement also highlighted broader urban challenges linked to riverbank settlements. Encroachments along rivers such as Bagmati and its tributaries have significantly obstructed drainage infrastructure, contributing to pollution, poor sanitation, and foul-smelling waterways across the valley. Authorities believe that managed relocation will not only reduce disaster risk but also improve Kathmandu’s long-strained sewage and drainage systems.
Shah clarified that the relocation process in areas like Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara will be carried out without the use of force, prioritizing dignity and humanitarian considerations. He also underlined that the issue of riverbank settlements differs from the wider national challenge of landlessness.
At the national level, the government plans to distinguish between illegal encroachment and genuine landless populations. Shah reaffirmed commitments outlined in policy frameworks, including provisions for managing informal settlements and preventing further encroachment on public land. He stated that preparations are underway to ensure that eligible landless families across the country receive land through a proper and expedited process.
The announcement signals a dual approach: immediate risk reduction in disaster-prone urban areas and a long-term structural solution to Nepal’s decades-old landlessness issue. However, successful implementation will depend on transparent identification processes, availability of suitable resettlement sites, and sustained political will.
As Kathmandu faces increasing climate risks and rapid urbanization, the government’s next steps will be closely watched for their impact on both vulnerable communities and the city’s environmental health.
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