Water Supply Disrupted After Pipe Breaks During Demolition of Squatter Settlements

The government began dismantling structures in Kathmandu’s squatter settlements starting April 25. During the demolition along the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali, a water supply pipe was damaged, causing disruption of water services in Balaju, Maiti Ghar, and Ekantakuna areas. Teams from Nepal Police, municipal police, and Armed Police Force are relocating the squatters to safer locations.

April 25, Kathmandu – Starting today (Saturday), the government has initiated the removal of structures in Kathmandu’s squatter settlements. Early this morning, demolition commenced on the settlements built along the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali. Authorities are actively relocating the settlers to safe areas. The removal process will take place today and tomorrow particularly in settlements located in Shantinagar, Gairigaun, and Manohara.

During the demolition at the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali, a water pipe was broken. To carry out necessary repairs, the water supply has been temporarily suspended in Balaju, Maiti Ghar, and Ekantakuna. Prakash Kumar Rai, spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Limited, stated that valves at the three locations have been closed to facilitate the repairs.

Teams from Nepal Police, municipal police, and the Armed Police Force remain actively involved in assisting with the relocation efforts. Following the government’s announcement about clearing the settlements, some squatters initially expressed anger but began vacating the area from Friday onward. By Saturday morning, most of the Thapathali settlement had been cleared. Both police and municipal authorities are supporting the settlers with the relocation process. Bulldozers have been working in Thapathali since morning, and efforts to clear settlements are also ongoing rapidly in Gairigaun and Manohara areas.