KATHMANDU, April 29: Hundreds of families living along riverbanks and on public land in the capital under the label of “landless squatters” have been found to own property in their own names.
A detailed investigation launched by the government into squatter settlements in the Kathmandu Valley has so far revealed that 450 families possess land in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
The government began a campaign last Saturday to clear unauthorized squatter settlements across various locations in the Valley. While eviction efforts continue, a parallel process is underway to distinguish genuine landless people from those falsely claiming the status. Authorities are retrieving land records from land revenue offices across the country for verification.
Under this initiative, the Department of Land Management and Archive (DoLMA), operating under the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, has intensified efforts to determine whether individuals residing in these settlements own land elsewhere.
A separate, dedicated team has been formed to identify “fake squatters.” The team has been working continuously, including on public holidays such as Saturday and Sunday.
Presenting data as of Monday, Director General Shiva Prasad Regmi confirmed that land ownership has been identified for 450 families.
“Based on the list sent by the urban development authorities, we are examining whether those listed as squatters own land and, if so, where that land is located,” Regmi said. “The investigation is ongoing, and the number may increase in the coming days.”
The Ministry of Urban Development had earlier forwarded a list of 3,496 squatter families residing in the Valley to the land management authorities.
Using that list, land ownership records are currently being examined through both digital and physical archives of 135 land revenue offices under the DoLMA nationwide.
The DoLMA also noted that citizenship numbers of 101 individuals listed as squatters could not be verified.
According to Regmi, the absence of citizenship details makes it technically difficult to trace land ownership records. However, efforts are being made through alternative methods to investigate their family background and property status.
Applications of 1.2 million landless people collected
943 families in holding centers, relocation planned
As eviction operations displace residents, the government has temporarily managed hundreds of families—suspected to be genuinely landless—by placing them in holding centers.
According to Dipendra Kumar Sah, an engineer at the High-Powered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee, 943 families have come into direct contact with the government as of Monday.
Another official Kumar Simkhada said an additional 68 families were rescued and placed in holding centers on the same day.
Currently, displaced families are being accommodated at the Radhe-Radhe Satsang Hall in Kirtipur, while some have been housed in hotels in the Balaju area.
Authorities have arranged free meals for them, and basic medical services are also being provided when needed, Simkhada said.
The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority has stated that it will complete the identification of genuine squatters within 15 days.
Only those verified as truly landless will be relocated to government-built apartments in Ichangunarayan for permanent settlement.
If those facilities prove insufficient, the authority has indicated that additional alternative housing options are being explored.
Encroachment in 22 locations
The squatter issue in the Valley is not new. A comprehensive study conducted in 2068 BS by the Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee had already identified 3,496 squatter families living in the Valley.
Based on that report, the Ministry of Urban Development forwarded official data to the Ministry of Land Management.
The report shows that squatters have encroached on public and riverbank land in at least 22 different locations across the Valley.
Major affected areas include Thapathali, Manohara, Sinamangal, Gairigaun, Bishnumati corridor, Shankhamul, Balkhu, Kapan, Gothatar, Kageshwari, and the banks of the Dhobikhola.
Analysis of the data indicates that Kathmandu district alone accounts for the highest number of such settlements, with 2,245 families residing under the squatter label.
Authorities say that for years, many of these settlements developed into permanent structures. However, with evidence emerging that some occupants own land elsewhere, the government has taken a stricter stance.
The current operation aims not only to prevent misuse of state resources but also to restore urban order and reclaim public land in the capital.
All illegal large structures demolished in Gairigaun area
All large houses and permanent structures built through encroachment in the Gairigaun area have been completely demolished, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City said.
The demolition campaign under Kathmandu Metropolitan City-9 continued until late Monday night and concluded after removing all major structures from the area. The drive, which had begun earlier over the weekend, was resumed on Monday afternoon after remaining incomplete, officials said.
According to the City Police, the operation became challenging as Gairigaun had a high concentration of permanent concrete structures built on encroached land.
City Police Chief Bishnu Joshi said the operation was carried out continuously from the afternoon into the night to ensure the removal of all major buildings. “We continued the campaign until late night and successfully removed all major structures,” he said.
Two excavators along with other heavy equipment were used in the operation. The government has intensified such drives following directives to clear encroachments on riverbanks and public land.
Gairigaun had long been identified as a major encroachment zone with dozens of permanent houses built over public land. The City Police said it may take a few more days to clear debris including rods, bricks, stones, and construction materials from the demolished houses.
Local residents said the scattered debris has created difficulties in movement. Local resident Mangal Thapa said the lack of immediate cleanup has increased risks for pedestrians and vehicles. “Even though the houses have been demolished, scattered materials everywhere are causing problems and should be cleared quickly,” he said.
According to data from the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, a total of 871 households were living in encroached settlements across various locations, including 476 in Shantinagar, 162 in Gairigaun, 143 in Thapathali, 77 in Gothatar, and 13 in Manohara Tole.
The metropolitan city said it will continue its campaign prioritizing protection of public land, riverbank management, and urban beautification. It also stated that coordination is ongoing with the federal government regarding the management and resettlement of displaced families.
KMC officials further said they plan to strengthen monitoring and legal action to prevent future encroachments.
