Displaced Riverside Residents Shivering in Holding Center with Mostly Low Blood Pressure

Since Saturday morning, bulldozers have been operating at various unregulated structures near rivers in the Kathmandu Valley. Over 200 families have become homeless, and screening is ongoing at the holding center set up at Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor. At the health desk, vulnerable residents are being examined, revealing conditions such as weakness, low blood pressure, and chronic illnesses. (April 26, Kathmandu)

From early Saturday morning, bulldozers have been demolishing unorganized structures near rivers in the Kathmandu Valley. After the destruction of settlements predominantly inhabited by displaced residents, these families have urgently been contacting the government. According to recent official data, more than 200 families have become homeless and have come forward to register their names. The government has established a holding center at Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor to conduct health screening for these displaced residents.

According to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, a dedicated help desk has been set up to provide healthcare services to those with health issues. Indira Pokharel, who is currently managing health examinations at the help desk run by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, reported that most individuals are experiencing weakness and low blood pressure. Additionally, some patients with chronic illnesses have also sought assistance.

Pokharel conveyed complaints from the displaced residents indicating they lost their medications when their settlements were demolished and consequently were unable to eat properly. She also mentioned encountering an elderly patient suffering from kidney failure who was referred to Bir Hospital. The fear of their settlements being destroyed kept them awake at night and diminished their appetite, according to residents during the health checkups. Quoting the residents, Pokharel said, ‘We went to sleep without eating at night because of fear. My legs are trembling.’