KATHMANDU, June 23: The government has directed squatters and landless families temporarily residing in holding centres to vacate the facilities within five days. The High-Powered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee issued a notice urging occupants to self-manage and leave the centres by Friday.
According to the committee, the decision has been taken as the monsoon season has already begun and most holding centres are located along riverbanks, increasing the risk of floods and inundation. Authorities said the safety of families has become a major concern, making relocation to safer areas necessary before the peak of the rainy season.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Machakaji Maharjan, who is also project coordinator, said 388 families currently staying in holding centres across Nagarjun, Banepa, Kirtipur, the Bode Agriculture Training Centre, Khairipati, Balaju hotels, and Ichangu Narayan have been instructed to vacate.
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He added that since squatters were relocated to these holding centres following the demolition of settlements nearly two months ago, prolonged stay has begun to disrupt daily life. As the centres were intended only for temporary accommodation, long-term settlement there is not feasible, he said.
The government has also announced a relief package for affected families. Under this arrangement, each household will receive a one-time payment of Rs 25,000 for basic relocation expenses and rent arrangements.
In addition, verified genuine squatters and homeless families will be eligible for monthly rental support of Rs 15,000 until permanent resettlement arrangements are made.
The committee said a dedicated team has been mobilized to expedite the relief distribution process. Families are required to submit bank account details, after which the funds will be transferred directly to their accounts.
