Challenges Observed by Human Rights Commission and Activists During Monitoring of Squatter Settlements

During the monitoring of settlements demolished by bulldozers and the condition of the displaced people, officials from the National Human Rights Commission and land rights activists revealed several issues in managing squatters displaced from the riverbanks of Kathmandu. Squatters housed at the Radhaswami Satsang Ashram in Kirtipur complained about the lack of timely food arrangements. “Due to delays in receiving food, those requiring regular medication, especially the elderly, are experiencing increased difficulties,” said Yagyaprasad Adhikari, head of the commission’s Protection Department. He added, “Even when the monitoring team arrived, food deliveries from the Metropolitan Office were delayed.”

After the demolition of riverbank squatter settlements and heavy rains in the capital, the displaced have faced challenges in safeguarding their belongings, said land rights activist Bhagwati Adhikari. “I visited the Manohara area where items were left in the fields without any shelter. There, a mother expressed her distress over the lack of food and water,” she stated.

Landless individuals housed in hotels near the New Bus Park also complained that while the hotels are supposed to provide accommodation, they are not providing food, according to land rights activist Adhikari. “They reported that food is not available there, and due to the absence of anyone overseeing their stored belongings, they are compelled to leave the guest houses,” she explained. Some squatters have established contact with the government. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has announced plans to convert the vacated squatter settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, and the border areas of Bhaktapur into green spaces, parks, roads, and parking areas.