Kathmandu, April 25, 2026 - Bulldozer operations have effectively begun in the squatter settlement area of Thapathali, as authorities move forward with a large-scale eviction drive along the Bagmati riverbanks.
According to on-ground developments, many residents of the settlement have already started dismantling their own homes and relocating their belongings in anticipation of demolition. Officials confirmed that while bulldozers were mobilized, initial clearing activities have largely been carried out by the residents themselves.
Security presence in the area remains extremely tight, with personnel from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and municipal police deployed in significant numbers to prevent any obstruction and maintain order during the operation.
The clearance drive follows directives from the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who has instructed authorities to remove settlements built on encroached public land across key riverbank areas including Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara.
Authorities have stated that all unauthorized structures will be demolished and the land fully cleared. The government has also indicated plans to temporarily relocate displaced families to designated locations, although concerns remain regarding the adequacy and implementation of these arrangements.
In the days leading up to the operation, public announcements were made urging residents to vacate the area. Reports indicate that many families began packing and leaving voluntarily, highlighting both compliance and underlying uncertainty among affected communities.
However, the eviction campaign has also drawn criticism from rights groups and squatter representatives, who argue that forced removal without guaranteed long-term resettlement could raise serious humanitarian and legal concerns.
The Thapathali settlement issue reflects a long-standing urban challenge in Kathmandu, where informal settlements along riverbanks have persisted for decades due to migration, housing shortages, and unresolved land management policies.
As the operation progresses, attention is now focused on how authorities balance urban development, environmental restoration, and the rights and dignity of displaced communities.
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