Hemanta Shrestha & Suryams Upreti
Kathmandu, April 25: Bulldozers rolled into riverbank settlements across parts of the Kathmandu Valley early Saturday, as authorities began clearing encroached land in an operation that unfolded without major incidents.
In Thapathali, security personnel assisted residents in dismantling homes and carrying belongings, a stark contrast to earlier attempts marked by protests and clashes. Most families had already left by Friday, while others were seen loading their possessions onto vehicles arranged by the administration.
Police and Armed Police Force personnel moved door to door, urging remaining residents to vacate. Access for journalists was restricted as the demolition progressed.
Displaced families were transported to Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar, designated as a temporary holding site where officials said their details would be recorded before relocation. Authorities have identified multiple locations, including government facilities and vacant land, for temporary shelter.
Despite the orderly operation, uncertainty loomed among residents. Many said the short notice left them scrambling for alternatives, while others questioned the adequacy of the arrangements.
Officials maintained that humanitarian concerns were being addressed, with transport, medical support and security deployed to assist affected families.
- The Kathmandu Post