POKHARA, June 19: Pokhara Metropolitan City has launched a demolition drive in the Pokhara Bus Park area, removing temporary structures after the expiry of a prior deadline.
On Thursday, the municipality deployed three excavators to clear structures built within the bus park premises. Demolition was carried out in both the northern section adjoining the Prithvi Highway and the southern section near the area west of the informal settlement zone.
According to municipal officials, the structures demolished were built on land with legal ownership documents, although the land falls within the designated bus park area. The land was originally acquired in 2032 BS for the construction of the bus park, but over time, parts of it were reportedly allocated or transferred through compensation arrangements, administrative decisions, or contested claims.
Around 40–45 houses and sheds on the northern side along the main highway, and nearly 100 houses and sheds in the southern section, were demolished during the operation, said officials from the municipality’s security and inspection branch. Most of the affected occupants had already vacated the structures following earlier agreements with the city.
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Authorities said the demolition was conducted peacefully, without resistance from local residents, as the area had already been cleared under a negotiated arrangement between the municipality and locals. Under the agreement, residents were to vacate the structures within the given timeframe, while the municipality would work on alternative arrangements for affected people.
During the operation, demolition was halted at a petrol pump located in the area due to safety concerns involving highly flammable materials. The municipality stated that the petrol station operator has been given time to relocate the facility before further action is taken.
A commercial complex (Bastola Complex) within the bus park area was also not demolished on Thursday as its deadline extends until Friday. The municipality has warned that if the structures are not removed within the given timeframe, demolition will resume on Saturday.
Officials confirmed that debris and materials from the demolished structures will be cleared on Friday.
Meanwhile, the municipality has clarified that informal settlements in the area will not be removed immediately. Authorities said eviction of the settlement will only proceed after alternative housing arrangements are secured.
For this purpose, the metropolitan office has formed multiple committees to study land ownership issues, identify legitimate claimants, verify squatters, and assess technical land-related complications. Officials said these committees are working on a priority basis, although additional time has been granted to complete their reports.
Municipal authorities added that the ongoing clearance drive is part of a broader effort to reorganize the bus park area, ensure planned urban development, and resolve long-standing land ownership disputes.
