Committee Led by Former Justice Baral Formed to Investigate Land Transactions of Pokhara Bus Park

The Pokhara Valley Urban Development Committee has formed a three-member committee, chaired by former Justice Shankar Raj Baral, to investigate disputes related to the land of the Bus Park. The committee was established following complaints about irregularities in the compensation and land exchange of 196 ropanis acquired for the Bus Park in 1973 BS. The newly formed committee has been given 15 working days to study decisions and documents from the past 51 years and submit a report. May 25, Pokhara.

To verify allegations concerning land exchanges, sales, distribution, and compensation related to the bus park land acquired nearly five decades ago, Pokhara Valley Urban Development Committee has constituted a judicial study panel comprising three members. Former Justice Shankar Raj Baral is the chairperson, with former District Attorney Govind Giri as a member and Prakash Suvedi, Administrative Officer of the Pokhara Valley Urban Development Committee, serving as member secretary.

The committee’s formation was approved during the executive meeting held on Tuesday. The land in question, 196 ropanis located in Ward No. 9 of Pokhara Metropolitan City, was acquired in 1973 BS for bus park construction. Approximately 9 ropanis were utilized for highway expansion, leaving 187 ropanis, whose management has raised multiple questions. Notably, complaints surfaced that some individuals received compensation without eligibility, distribution processes were unequal, and irregularities occurred in land exchange and sales procedures, prompting the need for an investigation committee.

The committee has been tasked with examining and analyzing decisions made over the last 51 years, studying related documents concerning land exchange and compensation distribution, and preparing a report with a judicial perspective. The committee has been allotted 15 working days for submitting their findings. Additionally, it was emphasized that developing the long-debated Bus Park into an organized, modern, and well-equipped infrastructure demands cooperation from all stakeholders. The committee’s impartial and fact-based report is expected to significantly contribute to the judicial resolution of the Bus Park land controversy, which has persisted for half a century.