Squatters Begin Moving Their Belongings from Balkhu Area Following Evacuation Notice

Summary: The District Administration Office of Kathmandu has issued a notice to clear the riverside squatter settlements along the Kathmandu River starting from 7 a.m. on the 18th of Baishakh. Squatters in the Balkhu and Banshighat areas have begun moving their belongings this morning. The administration has stated that unauthorized riverside settlements will be evacuated humanely.

On 17 Baishakh in Kathmandu – Squatters in the Balkhu and Banshighat areas have started hastily relocating their possessions. Following a Wednesday press release from the District Administration Office Kathmandu announcing that squatter settlements along the Kathmandu River would be cleared simultaneously starting 7 a.m. on 18 Baishakh, the residents began removing their belongings on their own early this morning.

The administration explained that various riverside settlements within Kathmandu district, encroaching on government, public, or private land without authorization and inhabited for years, will be evacuated humanely with consideration towards disaster risk. Previously, settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal, and Manohara areas had also been cleared.